SOVA RISE: Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs

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SOVA RISE: Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs Connecting Entrepreneurs to Opportunities in Southern Virginia and Beyond!

Big opportunities are ahead for our RAMP Up accelerator participants!On November 19–20, they'll present their startups a...
10/19/2026

Big opportunities are ahead for our RAMP Up accelerator participants!

On November 19–20, they'll present their startups at the 2026 Emerging Technology Conference in Roanoke, connecting with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

We're excited to see their ideas take the stage next month!

RAMP

Join us for the Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–7:00 PM at South Hill Regional Librar...
10/16/2026

Join us for the Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–7:00 PM at South Hill Regional Library.

Hosted by RISE and Marilynn Cabiness, this casual meetup is a chance to connect with local entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers, ag producers, and others interested in entrepreneurship.

Meet new people, share ideas, and learn about resources available to support your business.

No registration is required. Stop by and join the conversation!

RISE Entrepreneur Spotlight: Tiffany Hill | Tiffessentials LLCFor Tiffany Hill, owner of Tiffessentials LLC., entreprene...
10/15/2026

RISE Entrepreneur Spotlight: Tiffany Hill | Tiffessentials LLC

For Tiffany Hill, owner of Tiffessentials LLC., entrepreneurship is about carrying on a family legacy.

After losing her father in 2020, Tiffany was inspired to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps and keep that spirit alive in her family.

One of her proudest moments as a business owner has been seeing customers enjoy her products. She credits her community for supporting her journey and gives special thanks to Celestine for believing in her and helping her grow her business.

When asked about her biggest lesson as an entrepreneur, Tiffany shared:

"Keep going no matter how it looks and just know you have to be consistent."

Help us celebrate Tiffany Hill and Tiffessentials LLC!

Global Entrepreneurship Week!From November 16–22, RISE and our partners are celebrating the entrepreneurs, ideas, and bu...
10/12/2026

Global Entrepreneurship Week!

From November 16–22, RISE and our partners are celebrating the entrepreneurs, ideas, and businesses that help our communities grow. We’re kicking things off early on November 10, followed by a week of workshops, connections, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Here’s what’s happening:

November 10: The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income - Halifax
November 16: Build a Marketing Plan You Will Actually Use with Letterpress Communications
November 17: AI for Business: Practical Prompting for Everyday Work
November 18: CIC Finance Your Business Workshop
November 19: RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup for Entrepreneurs + Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
November 19–20: RAMP Up Pitch Day at the Emerging Tech Conference + Focus Friday

Save the dates and make plans to join us!

Do you have a business idea or innovation but aren't sure what comes next?Join Virginia SBDC, Longwood SBDC, and Growth ...
10/11/2026

Do you have a business idea or innovation but aren't sure what comes next?

Join Virginia SBDC, Longwood SBDC, and Growth Lab at SEED Innovation Hub for Back of the Napkin: What Comes Next? on October 14 from 12–1 PM on Zoom.

Learn about free resources to help turn your ideas into opportunities.

For details and registration link visit here:

Join us for a free, one-hour online session created for Southern Virginia business owners, makers, builders, and entrepreneurs. If you have an idea that's ready to grow, this session is for you.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Devan Smithwick Lowe, SkyeBright SmileSometimes a business starts by simply recognizing a need.F...
10/08/2026

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Devan Smithwick Lowe, SkyeBright Smile

Sometimes a business starts by simply recognizing a need.

For Devan Smithwick Lowe, owner of SkyeBright Smile, the idea came when she wanted to have her own teeth professionally whitened but found limited options locally.

With 15 years of experience in healthcare, Devan began researching the industry and saw an opportunity to create something different in Martinsville: an affordable cosmetic teeth whitening service with a comfortable, spa-like experience that didn't feel intimidating.

Today, that experience is one of the things Devan loves most about her business. Clients are given blankets and options to help them relax, and she makes it a priority to make everyone feel cared for.

But for Devan, the most rewarding part is seeing what happens afterward. She has watched clients who were once self-conscious about their teeth begin smiling more, wearing makeup again, and feeling more confident in themselves.

Now in her second year and continuing to grow, Devan credits her children, clients, community support, the people she's met along the way, and her faith for keeping her motivated.

Entrepreneurship has also taught her an important financial lesson: you can't assume every month will look the same. When business is good, save and prepare for the months ahead.

Thank you, Devan, for recognizing a need, taking the leap, and creating a business focused on helping people feel confident in their smiles and themselves.

Join us for the RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup for Entrepreneurs on Thursday, October 15, from 12:00–1:00 PM on Zoom.Conn...
10/07/2026

Join us for the RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup for Entrepreneurs on Thursday, October 15, from 12:00–1:00 PM on Zoom.

Connect with entrepreneurs and small business owners from across Southern Virginia, share ideas, and discover resources and opportunities to support your business.

Register today! Link in comments

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715 Wilborn Avenue
South Boston, VA
24592

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