A Southern Virginia collaborative effort aiming to empower future business owners will host an Oct. 19 summit in Danville.
Targeting entrepreneurs, innovators and visionaries, the Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs — called RISE — Summit will kick off at 9 a.m. at Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
The inaugural plans are to feature speakers, hand-on workshops on skill-building and unlimited networking chances, according to a news release. It’s designed to connect established businesses with entrepreneurs who need resources to start or expand in Southside.
“Small business are the heart and soul of the city of Danville,” Samantha Bagbey, economic development project manager for Danville’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be a part of a great networking and resource event that puts the focus on entrepreneurs and continuing to create avenues for success, expansions and long-term opportunities.”
The RISE Collaborative and the SOVA Innovation Hub are teaming up for the event. The collaborative is a regional program designed to create a network of entrepreneurs and business service providers and is managed by the Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development in Farmville, the Longwood Small Business Development Center, which serves the region, and the innovation hub in South Boston.
Each year, the collaborative hosts programs including a virtual business boot camp and a pitch competition.
The innovation hub is a nonprofit tasked with sparking “economic transformation” in Southern Virginia. Its building in downtown South Boston has coworking space, a training space and the Microsoft Experience Center.
The collaborative has a wide footprint, encompassing Patrick County, Henry County, Martinsville, Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, Farmville, Prince Edward County, Charlotte County, Lunenburg County, Cumberland County, Nottoway County, Amelia County and Buckingham County.
“The RISE Summit is more than just another event — it’s where real connections are made and where your ideas can gain the momentum they need,” Natalie Hodge Davis, CEO of Rudy’s Girl Media and entrepreneur co-chair of the RISE Summit, said.
“What makes this summit unique is the intentional gathering of growth-minded entrepreneurs and potential new founders from across Southern Virginia,” the Martinsville business owner said. “As an entrepreneur, I know how valuable it is to invest in these in-person gatherings. The relationships and insights you’ll gain here are worth every minute and dollar spent.”
Doors will open at 8 a.m. Oct. 19 for breakfast and networking. The program itself starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m.
Topics on the coverage agenda include unlocking capital through microloans, grants and contracts; mastering business essentials in marketing, finance and accounting; steps to bring a startup idea to life; and exploring artificial intelligence and emerging technology, the release explained.
With featured speakers, panels and workshops, the summit will have both group and breakout sessions.
“In our rural region, starting and growing a business comes with distinct challenges and opportunities,” Lauren Mathena of the SOVA Innovation Hub, said in a statement.. “The RISE Summit bridges that gap, offering tailored resources and insights for new and existing business owners, while highlighting the economic growth trends transforming our region.”
Tickets, available online at https://sovarise.com/summit-2024, are $50 per person through Sept. 30. After that, the prices go up to $65.
There are a small number of tickets for students available, along with scholarships for people needing financial help.
Read the original article here (Danville Register and Bee, Staff Reports)