Network
Social capital is one of the most valuable things an entrepreneur can have. Knowing 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.
Develop Actionable Skills
The workshops and breakout sessions will equip entrepreneurs with inspirations 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.
Be Inspired
Starting something from nothing is hard. Hearing stories of other's 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.
Gain 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.
Recap the
2022 Summit
On September 12th, seasoned and burgeoning entrepreneurs alike gathered at the Staunton Innovation Hub to begin two days of keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking. “Empowering. Inspiring. Safe space. Refreshing. Educational. Community.” Those were just a few of the words participants of the Inaugural Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit used to summarize their experience. Entrepreneurs got to choose from a variety of sessions to attend. Whether it was taxes or exit strategy, a deep dive on social media, or a panel on product development, there really was something for everyone - no matter their experience, age, or stage of their business. Entrepreneurs could also choose to spend time implementing the valuable skills they had learned so far, during Get Stuff Done sessions, “I’ll say, it’s one thing to come to an event, get tons of information and it just goes over your head. It’s another when you have an event that gives the entrepreneur or business leader space and time to actually ingest the information they’re receiving and ask questions about it,” commented Damian Grey, founder of Film Story. Read more about the 2022 Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit here.
FAQs
Who is the Summit for?
The Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, dreamers, and doers from across the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you are in the idea stage of your business, have been running your side hustle for years, or are ready to scale your business, you will find informative and approachable sessions for you. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, how much money you make a year, or where you live in the Valley YOU ARE INVITED!
What should I bring?
We suggest bringing the following: notebook, pens, laptop for work (and charger!), business cards for networking, and a reusable cup for ice water.
I have food allergies, can I bring my own food?
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. :)
I use a wheelchair, is the venue accessible?
Yes! Our venue is accessible - you'll find accessible parking, entry, restrooms, pathways, and everything else you'll need.
Code of Conduct
Come as you are!
There is no expected business dress code for the Summit, however, we encourage you to put your best foot forward, and represent yourself and your business how you see fit.
Be welcoming. A thriving ecosystem takes all kinds!
The Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit is an event for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Support those who are earlier than you and learn from those farther down the line. Additionally, the SVES and SCCF is dedicated to providing a safe conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a Participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the SCCF may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.
Thank You to Our 2023 Launch Partners
