Our Southern Virginia Entrepreneur Workshop, powered by RISE, is available to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region, and we are looking for YOU!
Take your business to the next level! This hands-on course enables entrepreneurs to determine whether their business is viable, develop an initial plan for launching or growing their business and learn the fundamentals of how to act on that plan.
Looking for our Charlottesville Entrepreneur Workshop or our Culpeper-Orange Workshop?!
What is the commitment?
Our inaugural Southern Virginia (SOVA) Entrepreneur Workshop, powered by RISE, will convene for 16 weeks, on Tuesdays, from 6 pm – 9 pm, in a virtual format, for residents of Danville & Martinsville; Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, & Prince Edward counties; and surrounding areas. There will be an orientation a week prior to the first session and the last session will be followed by a graduation within a few weeks.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $750 and includes course materials. There are need-based scholarships that can reduce the cost to as low as $125. Payment plans are available.
What can I expect?
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Sixteen 3-hour weekly sessions composed of lectures, discussion, and applied learning activities that will include up to an additional 10-12 hours per week consulting with professionals and potential customers. Please note ALL sessions will be virtual.
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Excellent networking opportunities with your entrepreneur peers and leaders of the business community.
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By graduation, you will have developed the components of a comprehensive business plan and have the opportunity to work towards building on your financial knowledge as you move forward with your business.
How should I prepare?
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Review our “What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur” Checklist to ensure you’ve considered the various facets of entrepreneurship.
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Consider participating in a “Building a Foundation for Your New Business” workshop hosted by the Longwood SBDC.
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Assess your schedule and allot time for the workshop, research, and corresponding assignments.
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Alert family and friends of your potential upcoming commitment to solicit their support and understanding in advance.
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Have an active and accessible Google account using your name or business name—no alias.
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Have a laptop or tablet to access and use Google Workspace applications.
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Get ready for an adventure!
Who can apply?
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The workshop is open to anyone interested in starting or expanding a business (contingent on availability and admittance).
What are some of the topics covered?
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Market Validation; Identifying Your Customer
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Personal Finance; Break-Even Analysis; Cash Flow Projections; Recordkeeping
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Time Management; SMART Goals; Entrepreneurship Roadmap
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Brand Development; Prospecting; Creating your Marketing Plan
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Hiring Employees
How do I apply?
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Spring ‘25 applications for our Southern Virginia (SOVA) Entrepreneur Workshop, powered by RISE, are closed. If you want to learn more about our application process, please complete this form.
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For specific questions, please contact our RISE Navigator Program Manager, Laura Coleman.
When does the next semester begin?
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Fall ‘25 Application Period: May 1, 2025 – July 4, 2025
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Fall ‘25 Interest Meetings: June 2, 2025 – July 15, 2025
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Fall ‘25 Admission Notifications: July 21, 2025
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Fall ‘25 Orientation: August 7, 2025
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Fall ‘25 Classes: August 12, 2025 – November 25, 2025
What happens after graduation?
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Financing: Graduates are eligible to apply for microloans.
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Financial Management Program (FMP): Get paired with a financial coach to organize records and create healthy financial habits.
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Mentoring: Become paired with an experienced business owner from the community or join a Small Business Circle (SBC) for ongoing advisory support.
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Networking: Continue to be a part of the CIC business network for events, showcases, pitch nights, workshops, and more.
The CIC Southern Virginia Entrepreneur Workshop, powered by RISE Collaborative, is an entrepreneur training program delivered by CIC (Community Investment Collaborative) in collaboration with the SOVA Innovation Hub and the Longwood SBDC. The Longwood SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University, and local host institutions. The Virginia SBDC is nationally accredited by America’s SBDC. The CIC Southern Virginia Entrepreneur Workshop, powered by RISE Collaborative, is funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries.
