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Writer's pictureAshley Wenger

What to expect at the first annual Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit

Updated: Jul 22, 2022

The first annual Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit is around the corner! This September, the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund is inviting entrepreneurs from across the Shenandoah Valley to gather in Staunton, Virginia for two days of networking, learning, inspiration, and workshopping. Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and stages of their business are welcome and encouraged to attend! Whether you have an idea you finally want to make a reality, or you’ve been in business for 10 years and are looking to grow, there will be something for you! If you’re joining us for the Summit, here’s what you can expect when you arrive at the Staunton Innovation Hub.






Networking

Social capital is one of the most valuable things an entrepreneur can have. Knowing folks what other folks are doing and how their efforts might be multiplied can make all the difference! The Summit will bring people together to widen everyone’s network. The first night will conclude with dinner from local food trucks and a dance party to get to know your fellow attendees. Throughout the Summit, you will get to collaborate with other entrepreneurs on business ideas, and get to know other entrepreneurs in the Shenandoah Valley. The Summit will wrap with a “Staunton Stroll” on Tuesday evening, to give attendees a chance to explore downtown Staunton and support local businesses.


Inspiration

Starting something from nothing is hard. Hearing stories of others’ successes – or failures! – can oftentimes be the motivation to keep pressing through the hard times. No one’s entrepreneurial journey is a straight line and it’s important to hear these stories.


Actionable Skills

The workshops and breakout sessions will equip entrepreneurs with inspiration and new skills that they can immediately put into practice to better their businesses. This will create more services, job opportunities, and economic growth for our region. Attendees can expect workshops on a variety of topics such as team management, funding options, marketing, and more! Following the presentations, there will be GSD (Get Stuff Done) Sessions that use goal setting and the power of collective focus to give you time to work ON your business not just IN it.


Business Support

The Summit will connect attendees to entrepreneurial support organizations across the Valley and bring in professionals like lawyers, CPAs, and leadership specialists to hone their skills and refine their businesses. Throughout the day on Tuesday, you will have the opportunity to hear from and speak with mentors and industry professionals. Open Office Hours will be available after several speaker presentations to provide one on one time with experts. Get to know the individuals in your area who you can lean on for support, as well as the local businesses in your community.


Taking the time to invest in your business, your skills as a business owner and your network are a pathway to success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the first-ever Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit! Registration for the Summit is open, and tickets are $100 per person. Learn more or register here.





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