RISE: Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs

Looking for professional development and networking opportunities this month? Our August Events Blog highlights upcoming programs and events designed to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and innovation across Southern Virginia. This month's featured opportunities include: • Virginia APEX Accelerator Workshop • The 2026 RISE Summit • RAMP Up Accelerator applications Explore the full lineup and find the opportunities that fit your goals. 📖 Read the August Events Blog: https://lnkd.in/gf2CJ4mz Which event will we see you at this month? Let us know in the comments! #Entrepreneurship #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #SouthernVirginia #RISE

Some dreams start long before they become reality. For Rodney Morris, owning a business wasn't just an idea. It was a dream he shared with his family from a young age. He often told his parents and siblings that one day he would own a business called Morris-R-Us. Years later, that dream became reality when he received the letter from the Virginia State Corporation Commission officially certifying Morris-R-Us, LLC. Rodney's journey started with something simple: a love for cleaning cars. After the furniture company where he worked closed, he enrolled in classes at Patrick & Henry Community College. During a class project on starting a business, he realized he could turn what he loved into a career. Today, Rodney is doing just that while serving customers across Southern Virginia. While he takes pride in the work he does, he says what he loves most isn't simply providing a service. "They become family." From wishing customers happy holidays to celebrating life's milestones, Rodney believes every relationship matters. When asked what advice he would give someone thinking about starting a business, Rodney's answer reflects the way he approaches both business and life. Stay humble. Remain teachable. No matter how much experience you have, he believes there's always something new to learn. And whether the job is big or small, he encourages others to always give it their very best. Thank you, Rodney, for serving our community with dedication, building lasting relationships, and showing that success starts with passion, perseverance, and putting people first. #EntrepreneurSpotlight #SmallBusiness #SouthernVirginia #RISE #Entrepreneurship

Being qualified for government contracts is only part of the equation. Buyers also need to be able to find you. The SBA Small Business Search (SBS) database is used by federal agencies and prime contractors to identify potential vendors, conduct market research, and verify small business eligibility. Join Margaret Edmond of Virginia APEX Accelerator for a practical workshop on how to strengthen your SBS profile and improve your visibility to federal buyers. August 12 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | SOVA Innovation Hub Free and open to all businesses and entrepreneurs. Register today!  CREATE in HUBSPOT #GovernmentContracting #FederalContracting #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #VirginiaAPEX

Every successful business starts with a purpose. For Delando Morris, that purpose is helping people build healthier lives while creating a community that supports long-term success. Through InPhase Fitness, Delando has grown beyond personal training to offer online coaching, customized fitness and nutrition plans, community walks, run clubs, hikes, and an apparel brand centered on living "InPhase"—aligning daily habits with personal goals. Businesses like InPhase Fitness strengthen Southern Virginia by improving quality of life, encouraging community engagement, and inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurship. Thank you, Delando, for investing in both healthier people and a stronger region. #BusinessSpotlight #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SouthernVirginia #Leadership

Marketing isn't just about getting attention. It's about earning trust and building relationships. Ashley Hairston has worked with businesses across Southern Virginia to strengthen their brands, connect with customers, and communicate their value more effectively. As the owner of Socialize Me, LLC, Ashley understands that growth doesn't come from being everywhere. It comes from showing up consistently, telling a clear story, and building meaningful connections with your audience. We're excited to welcome Ashley to the RISE Summit speaker lineup this August. Get y our ticket today! https://lnkd.in/g7FinZN5 #RISESummit #MarketingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SouthernVirginia

Some dreams stay ideas. Others become businesses. A year ago, Kelsey Bradshaw was commuting out of state to esthetics school while working toward a vision she couldn't ignore. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, she chose to take the leap and build Wild Grace Esthetics from the ground up. Like many entrepreneurs, Kelsey's journey has required resilience, patience, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when every answer wasn't clear. Today, she's built a business dedicated to helping women feel confident, cared for, and seen. Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship often begins with a simple decision to start before everything feels certain. We're proud to celebrate entrepreneurs like Kelsey who are creating opportunity, serving their communities, and strengthening Southern Virginia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. #EntrepreneurSpotlight #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #RISE

The biggest challenges facing our communities can't be solved by one organization alone. That's why partnerships matter. Join Locus for Transformation Through Partnership: Southern Virginia, an afternoon focused on the collaborations driving entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, philanthropy, and regional economic growth across Southern Virginia. As Locus celebrates 20 years of partnership, the conversation will look ahead to what's possible when organizations work together toward a shared vision for the region. Wednesday, July 22 | 2:00–5:30 PM The TAD Space | Martinsville, VA If you're passionate about the future of Southern Virginia, we encourage you to be part of the conversation. https://lnkd.in/g4aDv4b6 #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #RegionalCollaboration #SouthernVirginia

Meet the newest member of the RISE team! Laura Russell is the co-owner of Outpost Signs and now serves as RISE's Business Navigator & Ecosystem Builder for Amelia County. As a small business owner herself, Laura understands the entrepreneurial journey and is passionate about helping others start, grow, and succeed. Welcome to the team, Laura! #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #AmeliaVA #RISE AMELIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)

The best events are more than a series of presentations. They're conversations that spark ideas, build relationships, and leave people thinking differently than when they arrived. We're excited to welcome Natalie Davis as emcee for the 2026 RISE Summit. Through her work as CEO of Rudy's Girl Media and Southern Virginia Market Lead for Locus, Natalie has helped businesses, organizations, and communities tell meaningful stories and build stronger connections. Her ability to engage people and create authentic conversations makes her a natural fit to help guide this year's Summit. We're looking forward to a day of learning, connection, and inspiration on August 27 in Danville. #RISESummit #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #SouthernVirginia #RISE