The SOVA Innovation Hub is now a meeting location for Toastmasters, serving South Boston, Halifax County, and the surrounding region. Whether you’re an experienced speaker or just getting started, Toastmasters provides a supportive, learn-by-doing environment where you can strengthen your public speaking and leadership skills.
Typically, we meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12:00–1:00 pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub. Light snacks/refreshments are provided, and you are welcome to bring your lunch. Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled. Meetings begin promptly at 12:00 pm and end at 1:00 pm. As a perk of attending, you are welcome to stay and use the SOVA Innovation Hub coworking space for the remainder of the afternoon.
Our primary meeting format is in person, with a virtual option available via Zoom when members are unable to attend on site. We aim to have at least 8–10 attendees at each meeting. For more information on what to expect at your first meeting, visit: https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/my-first-meeting
Meeting attendees should be current Toastmasters International members or prospective members interested in joining. Membership is open to all community members. Costs include a $20 one-time new member fee and semi-annual dues. Ready to join? Complete your application and send it to Venus Wilmer (venuswilmer@gmail.com).
Application link - https://drive.google.com/file/u/2/d/1aRESQfrjhIv88Cj3hrjruOxvXhns64oj/view?usp=drive_link
Questions? Email Keith Washo at keithwasho@gmail.com or contact the SOVA Innovation Hub at hello@sovainnovationhub.com.
]]>Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Search (SBS)
Free workshop with Margaret Edmond of Virginia Apex! Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses.
SBA Small Business Search (SBS) is the Small Business Administration’s public database used by federal contracting officers and prime contractors to find small businesses capable of providing goods and services. It is also used to conduct market research, identify vendors for set-aside contracts, and verify eligibility prior to award. The SBS serves as free visibility and advertising to federal buyers.
Ensure your SBS profile is accurate, compliant, and clearly communicates your capabilities to position your company for federal contracting opportunities!
]]>The SOVA Innovation Hub is now a meeting location for Toastmasters, serving South Boston, Halifax County, and the surrounding region. Whether you’re an experienced speaker or just getting started, Toastmasters provides a supportive, learn-by-doing environment where you can strengthen your public speaking and leadership skills.
Typically, we meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12:00–1:00 pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub. Light snacks/refreshments are provided, and you are welcome to bring your lunch. Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled. Meetings begin promptly at 12:00 pm and end at 1:00 pm. As a perk of attending, you are welcome to stay and use the SOVA Innovation Hub coworking space for the remainder of the afternoon.
Our primary meeting format is in person, with a virtual option available via Zoom when members are unable to attend on site. We aim to have at least 8–10 attendees at each meeting. For more information on what to expect at your first meeting, visit: https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/my-first-meeting
Meeting attendees should be current Toastmasters International members or prospective members interested in joining. Membership is open to all community members. Costs include a $20 one-time new member fee and semi-annual dues. Ready to join? Complete your application and send it to Venus Wilmer (venuswilmer@gmail.com).
Application link - https://drive.google.com/file/u/2/d/1aRESQfrjhIv88Cj3hrjruOxvXhns64oj/view?usp=drive_link
Questions? Email Keith Washo at keithwasho@gmail.com or contact the SOVA Innovation Hub at hello@sovainnovationhub.com.
]]>Overview of Federal Programs and Small Business Certifications
Free workshop with Margaret Edmond of Virginia Apex! Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses.
The federal government is committed to awarding at least 23% of all federal contracting dollars to small businesses each year. To meet this goal, the Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several socioeconomic certification programs that help eligible businesses compete for set-aside contracts, sole-source awards, and subcontracting opportunities.
Gain an overview of the types of federal certifications, qualifications, rules and regulations, and application processes.
Join us for the next RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup on October 15, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Zoom. This monthly online gathering is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners in rural Southern Virginia to connect, share ideas, and gain valuable insights in a casual, supportive environment.
Hosted by RISE, the Grapevine Virtual Meetup is your space to connect, learn, and grow—we hope to see you there!
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Join us for the next RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup on November 19, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Zoom. This monthly online gathering is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners in rural Southern Virginia to connect, share ideas, and gain valuable insights in a casual, supportive environment.
Hosted by RISE, the Grapevine Virtual Meetup is your space to connect, learn, and grow—we hope to see you there!
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Mastering Proposal Submissions: Tips for Crafting Winning Responses
Free workshop with Margaret Edmond of Virginia Apex! Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses.
Are you ready to start submitting proposals? Proposal writing can be daunting! Join Crater APEX Accelerator as we provide tips on how to make it easier! Learn what to look for in a solicitation and how to craft an effective response.
Objectives: