Project Rise and Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC)

About

Project Rise, in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, offers a comprehensive support program for entrepreneurs in Virginia, providing funding, office space, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups grow and contribute to regional economic development.

Benefits

• 💰 Financial Support
• Access to funding through grants provided by the program.
• 🏢 Office Space
• Provision of physical office space and virtual tools for entrepreneurs.
• 🎓 Mentorship Program
• Mentorship opportunities to guide startups in their growth journey.
• 🌐 Network Access
• Opportunities to connect with a community of entrepreneurs and build networks.
• 📈 Business Support
• Support for startups across various fields, not limited to specific professional backgrounds.
• 🎤 Exposure Opportunities
• Involvement in a program aimed at fostering innovation and economic development in the region.

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to startups located in Virginia, especially in Roanoke and New River Valley regions.
• 💼 Business Stage
• Open to any entrepreneurs with startup ideas or existing companies looking to grow.
• 👥 Team Requirements
• Available to Virginia Tech students, alumni, faculty, and also non-Virginia Tech members.
• 💰 Financial Requirements
• Support includes financial grants and resources for startups.
• 🎓 Mentorship Program
• Access to mentorship for entrepreneurs to help guide their business development.

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Physical Attendance
• Participants may need to attend events or sessions at the Entrepreneur Resource Center.
• ⏰ Time Commitment
• Commitment to engage with the resources and support provided by the ERC.
• 🎤 Presentation Requirement
• Potential requirement to present business ideas or progress during mentorship sessions.

Target Region

Open to startups in Virginia, particularly Roanoke and New River Valley

Target Sector

Focused on technology entrepreneurship and innovation