Have a business idea but not sure what comes next?
The Startup Playbook is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from IDEA to INCOME by turning concepts into a clear, actionable path toward business ownership.
Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an early-stage idea, this beginner-friendly series will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and direction.
This series is ideal for:
By the end of the series, participants will walk away with a clearer business model, practical next steps, and connections to regional startup resources.
Choose ONE session date/location that works best for your schedule.
During this interactive workshop, participants will:
After attending a workshop session, participants may schedule a free one-on-one follow-up session with a RISE Business Navigator to:
These follow-up sessions are designed to help participants move from learning to action with guidance tailored to their specific idea or business goals.
This series is facilitated by RISE Business Navigators who connect entrepreneurs to resources, regional partners, mentorship opportunities, and business support services across Southern Virginia.
Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat!
]]>***Notice the change in day for this month!
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.
]]>Have a business idea but not sure what comes next?
The Startup Playbook is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from IDEA to INCOME by turning concepts into a clear, actionable path toward business ownership.
Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an early-stage idea, this beginner-friendly series will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and direction.
This series is ideal for:
By the end of the series, participants will walk away with a clearer business model, practical next steps, and connections to regional startup resources.
Choose ONE session date/location that works best for your schedule.
During this interactive workshop, participants will:
After attending a workshop session, participants may schedule a free one-on-one follow-up session with a RISE Business Navigator to:
These follow-up sessions are designed to help participants move from learning to action with guidance tailored to their specific idea or business goals.
This series is facilitated by RISE Business Navigators who connect entrepreneurs to resources, regional partners, mentorship opportunities, and business support services across Southern Virginia.
Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat!
]]>Intro to Federal Government Contracting
Free workshop with Margaret Edmond of Virginia Apex! Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses.
Federal government contracting is selling products or services to U.S. federal government agencies. Government agencies purchase goods and services across a broad range of industries, from technology and construction to research and consulting. Gain an overview of the federal acquisition processes, rules, and regulations set by the federal government.
- Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARS)
- SAM.gov Registration
- Contracting Process
- Opportunities for Small Businesses
***Notice the change in day for this month!
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!
]]>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.
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: