Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative

The Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative’s goal is to update and advance the regional entrepreneurship strategy in GO Virginia Region 4 based on current conditions to produce an inclusive, comprehensive, and sustainable approach to leverage entrepreneurship as a mode of economic development.

The strategy must be inclusive of all the unique geographies in Region 4 while also encompassing all new venture creation, including small businesses and tech-driven startups.

May 2022

Report & Research Consolidation and Gap Analysis

August 2022

Ecosystem Events, Regional Programming, DEI Initiatives

January 2023

Recommendations Finalized, Identify Regional Leads

May 2023

Regional Ecosystem Summit, Begin Project Implementation

// Goal 1

Develop Comprehensive & Inclusive Regional Strategy

// Goal 2

Investigate the Dominion Energy Innovation Center Model to See if Community Innovation Hubs can increase Entrepreneurial Activity Throughout The Region

Regional Stakeholder Meetings

REI Stakeholder Meeting:
December 16, 2021

View Meeting Slides
Listen to Meeting Recording

REI Stakeholder Meeting:
February 2, 2022

REI Stakeholder Meeting:
April 6, 2022

REI Stakeholder Meeting:
May 18, 2022

REI Stakeholder Meeting:
July 20, 2022

REI Stakeholder Meeting: September 14, 2022

// Growing the Entrepreneurship Community

Ways to Get Involved

Add stakeholders to Region 4 Stakeholders google sheet and encourage participation in update meetings
Volunteer to participate in the discovery interview process to map out regional assets
Help organize regional events to convene Region 4 stakeholders throughout the strategy development process.
$2,500 cash match or $4000 in-kind to participate in Recast Leaders Cohort for local governments
In-kind donation of time or space

Regional Representation and Inclusion

The Regional Entrepreneurship Strategy must include the localities of Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Emporia, Greensville, Hopewell, Petersburg, Prince George, Surry and Sussex. The Richmond region includes Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Richmond.

The Initiative will be guided by a strategy committee made up of:

Brian Anderson, ChamberRVA
Keith Boswell, Virginia Gateway Region
Jen Finn, Activation Council
Leah Fremouw, Virginia Community Capital
Dr. Danni Gladden-Green, Virginia Union University – Women’s Business Center
Dewitt Haile, VSU
Somiah Lattimore, University of Richmond
Dena Moore, Community Foundation