This fall brings two exciting opportunities for farmers, food producers, and agriculture entrepreneurs across Southern Virginia to grow their businesses and explore innovation — without leaving the region!

Whether you’re a producer looking to expand into value-added products or an educator helping connect entrepreneurs to resources, here’s what’s coming up:

Earn an AgTech Certification from North Carolina A&T — Offered in Halifax County

You don’t have to leave the region to gain world-class agricultural business training. The AgTech Education Program, delivered by North Carolina A&T State University, will be hosted at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston.

This six-month program is designed to equip participants with the tools to thrive in today’s agriculture and AgTech industries, covering everything from marketing and finance to the latest advances in agricultural innovation.

Who Should Apply:

• Individuals interested in launching a career in agriculture or AgTech
• Current business owners who want to expand their knowledge through instruction from professors and industry leaders

Program Details:

📅 Start date: Wednesday, October 15 (sessions held twice a month for six months)

📍 Location: SOVA Innovation Hub – 715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Bonus: Graduates of the program may also qualify for the 434 Small Business Loan from Halifax County Community Federal Credit Union — an excellent resource to help bring your new ideas to life. 

Register today: AgTech Certification Registration Form >

For more information, contact Program Administrator Austin Wright, President of Wright Industries, at CEO@adjwright.com

RISE Summit 2025: Where Rural Entrepreneurs Thrive

The RISE Summit is Southern Virginia’s annual gathering for entrepreneurs and small business owners across every industry — including agriculture, food production, and agritourism.

This year’s Summit features general business sessions plus two can’t-miss workshops for ag and food entrepreneurs:

1. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Learn from Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. He will provide insights on growing opportunities in indoor and hydroponic systems. Discover how technology is reshaping the way we grow food – and how you can benefit from this trend.
   
2. Cottage Food Industry Survival Guide: Learn from Delilah White, Owner of Ry’s Pies & Cobblers.  She will cover how to legally create and sell homemade food products in Virginia — a perfect path for growers and home-based food makers ready to turn their recipes into revenue.

The 2025 RISE Summit includes a total of 16 breakout sessions to choose from, along with an inspirational keynote speaker and networking opportunities throughout the event. 

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 

📍 Location: Institute for Advanced Learning & Research – 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST (doors open at 8:00 AM)

Learn more and register at sovarise.com/summit >

For more information, contact hello@sovarise.com

Help Spread the Word

We invite extension agents, farmers market managers, agriculture educators, and community partners to share these opportunities with your networks. Together, we can equip local entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and connections they need to succeed in a rapidly changing ag economy.