SOVA RISE: Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs

06/05/2026

Building a strong business starts with connection.

Join Marilynn Cabiness, RISE Navigator & Ecosystem Builder, for upcoming Entrepreneur Meetups in Mecklenburg and Brunswick Counties.

📍 Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup
June 25 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
TBD, South Hill

📍 Brunswick Entrepreneur Meetup
June 26 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
TBD, Lawrenceville

These casual gatherings are a chance to meet fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers, ag producers, and aspiring entrepreneurs while learning about resources available to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.

No registration required. Just stop by and join the conversation.

06/04/2026

The RISE Summit returns on August 27.

Join entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators from across Southern Virginia for a day focused on connection, practical learning, and business growth.

🎟 Super Early Bird tickets are available now.

Register today: see comments for link.

06/03/2026

Ready to take your shot?

Join Le'Bryan Patterson, RISE Navigator & Program Manager, for The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income, a practical workshop designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from concept to action.

Participants will learn how to refine their idea, understand their target customer, explore startup costs, and build a business model that supports long-term growth.

Part 1: Choose the ONE session that works best for you:
📅June 9 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📅June 16 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hosted at the 📍SOVA Innovation Hub
Part 2: Schedule a one-on-one follow-up session for personalized support.

Space is limited. Register today. See comments for registration link.

06/02/2026

Business Spotlight: Scuffle Hill Brewing Company in Collinsville, VA

Owned by Jake Abell, Scuffle Hill Brewing Co. has created a welcoming space where community, craft beer, and local connection come together. Known for its rotating selection of handcrafted brews, live music, events, and relaxed atmosphere, the brewery has become a gathering place for both locals and visitors in Southern Virginia.

Beyond serving great beer, businesses like Scuffle Hill Brewing Co. help strengthen local communities by creating experiences that bring people together and support regional tourism and economic activity.

We love seeing entrepreneurs like Jake invest in places and experiences that add energy and vibrancy to our region.

06/01/2026

Reminder! Join us tomorrow for Let's Talk Business Brunswick County.

📅 June 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Brunswick County Conference Center, Lawrenceville

Free to attend. Light refreshments provided.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-brunswick-county-tickets-1987194893420?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/01/2026

Take a look at what’s happening this month across the RISE region.

From workshops and trainings to opportunities to connect, June is full of ways to move your business forward.

Explore the full list: https://sovarise.com/blog/june-2026-events-for-entrepreneurs-and-businesses-2/

06/01/2026

One day can change your business. Join us August 27 for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs & Innovators.

Learning, networking, inspiration, and practical tools all in one place.

Order your ticket here: https://sovarise.com/rise-summit-2026/

Gather with other entrepreneurs and innovators to learn new skills and connect with resources at the 3rd annual RISE Summit in Danville!

05/30/2026

We appreciate those who joined us Thursday evening for the Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup.

These conversations are important. They help build connections, strengthen our entrepreneurial community, and remind business owners that they don't have to navigate the journey alone.

We look forward to seeing you at the next meetup on June 25 at the R.T. Arnold Public Library in South Hill.

05/27/2026

Questions? Ideas? Next steps? We’re here to help.

Two opportunities to connect with a RISE Navigator on Thursday, May 28.

Le’Bryan Patterson will be hosting RISE Office Hours at the SOVA Innovation Hub from 4pm – 8 pm.
To make an appointment, please email [email protected] or text 434-262-0557.

Marilynn Cabiness will be hosting RISE Office Hours at R.T. Arnold Library from 5pm - 6:30pm
No appointment necessary. Just show up.