Bridging Ecosystems: Tech x Entrepreneurship for Rural Transformation
Founders and Futurists combines Valley TechCon with the Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit, hosted by SVTC and SCCF, respectively, to bring tech professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs together under one roof.
With our reimagined FOUNDERS & FUTURISTS event, we will explore how rural entrepreneurs can leverage technology to scale, innovate, and transform their communities—and how the tech sector can embed entrepreneurial thinking to stay agile and rooted in real-world impact.
Rural communities like the Shenandoah Valley face a choice: adapt someone else’s version of innovation—or create our own. Too often, tech and entrepreneurship ecosystems overlook places like ours, leaving behind untapped talent, struggling local economies, and fading downtowns. Founders and Futurists is our response: a gathering where visionaries, builders, and community champions come together to imagine a future rooted in local values, economic resilience, and shared opportunity. This event is more than a conference—it’s the starting point for a movement to grow community wealth, retain our identity, and shape a new rural economy on our own terms.
Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in our region while still honoring our roots. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the agricultural technology industry, a small business owner who needs to stay ahead of AI trends, or a software developer who's creating for tomorrow's startups, we invite you to be part of the conversation.
What to expect this year
Event Schedule
8:30 am: Doors open for registration and breakfast (included with your ticket)
9:30 am: Welcome presentation from SCCF and SVTC
10:00 am: Opening keynote presentation
10:30 am: Session 1
Choose from:
Workshop - Topic to be announced
Presentation Topic to be announced
11:30 am: Session 2
Choose from:
Workshop - Topic to be announced
Panel - Topic to be announced
12:30 pm: Working lunch and collaborative FOUNDERS & FUTURISTS project (lunch included with your ticket)
2:00 pm: Session 3
Choose from:
Fireside chat - Topic to be announced
Work time with dedicated quiet space
3:00 pm: Session 4
Choose from:
Workshop - Topic to be announced
Presentation - Topic to be announced
4:00 pm: Snack and wellness break
4:30 pm: Innovation Hot Seat
5:00 pm: Closing keynote presentation
5:45 pm: Wrap-up and goodbye
(Sessions and topics subject to change)
Hear from past attendees
Damian Grey
One of the things I’ve enjoyed very much about this event is that they allow the entrepreneur to actually breathe at the event, take in the information, and the information is actually relatable. It’s information that’s coming from real world entrepreneurs, people who have gone through this.
FAQs
Who is FOUNDERS & FUTURISTS for?
FOUNDERS & FUTURISTS is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, tech professionals, and innovators from across the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you are pushing technological ideas in the Valley, utilizing AI for your business, or are just trying to stay ahead of innovation in our region, you will find informative and inspiring sessions for you. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, or where you live in the Valley, YOU ARE INVITED to be a part of the conversation!
What should I bring?
We suggest bringing a notebook, pens, and your laptop/tablet (and charger!) so that you can follow along with your facilitator. We also encourage you to bring your business cards to share with your fellow attendees!
Where can I park?
There will be reserved parking spaces on BRCC's campus. Stay tuned for more details.
Can I bring my own food if I have food allergies?
Yes! You can absolutely bring your own food - just let us know if you will and if you need a refrigerator to store your food in, and we will show you where it is. Remember to label your food. :)
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Our venue is accessible - you'll find accessible parking, entry, restrooms, pathways, and everything else you'll need.
Thank you to our Host Partner
