Tag: Virginia

Biz Dev Forum: Net Partnering – March 8

Join us for the next Business Development Forum on Thursday, March 8, sponsored by UPS. This Biz Dev Forum will feature Steve Martin, Registered Representative of Valley Financial Solutions. His talk is titled: Net Partnering… Take the “Work” out of Networking.

Many people dislike, stress, or even fear networking! Let us share how to have fun, bring value to others, and enjoy the opportunities that these events can convey to you personally and professionally.

About Steve:

Steve grew up locally in Giles County, attended Bridgewater College, and lived and worked his first job(s) in Roanoke. He was later relocated to Raleigh, NC where he resided for over 26 years.  Shortly after the company that relocated him to Raleigh was purchased, and he was not retained, he began his current career. Being in a new city, with a new career, and another new child, forced Steve to find a way to meet new prospects…and fast! He worked hard to gather new clients any way that he could; resorting to cold calling, personal observation, and purchasing leads. Considering himself to be a socially outgoing person, he felt more comfortable seeking out business events and networking opportunities. After years of developing a love and skill-set for meeting new people, Steve moved back to the region. He now wants to share his journey and life lessons and utilize his skills to make a difference in the RBTC community.

EVENT DETAILS:

When – Thursday, March 8, 2018 (7:45 – 9:00 AM)

Where: VTCRC – Concept Conference Room | 1880 Pratt Drive, Suite 2018 Blacksburg, VA 24060

Cost: RBTC members can attend this peer forum at no charge.
Future members are welcome to join at the cost of $10 per person.

Hockey Night With the Rail Yard Dawgs- January 12

The RBTC invites you to join us for a fun filled evening of family fun with the Rail Yard Dawgs! Come out and support a local team, and enjoy networking with fellow RBTC members and their families at the good ‘ol hockey game. We hope that you will join us!

Decades Night

Date: Friday, January 12

Time: 7:05pm

Price: $13 per person (*Parking is $5 cash per vehicle | Registration closes January 9th)

Location: 710 Williamson Rd NE, Roanoke, VA 24016

Registration Now Open! – 2017 Fall Gala: November 2

The annual RBTC Fall Gala is one of the largest business and technology events of the Roanoke-Blacksburg region – with more than 400 attendees, this is a unique opportunity for strengthening and expanding your professional network. It is held annually in the Fall in Blacksburg at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Join us as we celebrate the work of the RBTC to connect, grow, and lead the technology community in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

This year we will be featuring Ross Baird of Village Capital. Visit our Fall Gala page for more event info: https://www.rbtc.tech/rbtc-events/fall-gala/

Mark your calendars for November 2, 2017 – and watch the RBTC website in the coming weeks as we release more event details!

TechNite 2017: Registration and Nominations

TechNite is an annual celebration of the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s growing technology community and is one of the largest networking events of the year with hundreds of influential leaders in business and innovation. Join us as we honor the amazing achievements in technology-focused entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership from across the region!

TechNite 2017 will be held Friday, April 21 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (with after party at The Center in the Square – Science Museum of Western Virginia). This is the biggest technology event of the region and we are excited to have you be a part. Stay tuned and watch for more details in the coming weeks.

Registration Now Open (Early-bird Discounts End March 31 Friday, April 7!)

Registration for TechNite 2017 is open! Take advantage of early-bird registration discounts for both members and non-members (early-bird prices have been extended to Friday, April 7!). Individual and Table registrations are available – get all pricing and details by following the link below:

Register

 

Award Nominations

The evening is highlighted with an awards ceremony, where leaders will be recognized in six categories: Rising Star, Regional Leadership, STEM-H Educator, Entrepreneur, Innovator and People’s Choice. Now is the time to make your nominations (nominations close at 5pm Tuesday, March 28 – see below)! Please note: to nominate in separate categories you will need to refresh the page each time.

Rising Star Award
This award recognizes a local technology company whose “star is rising.” It may not be a household name yet, but it could soon be another local success story in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region.

Regional Leadership Award
This award recognizes one of our own who not only succeeds in the workplace, but also leads by example by contributing significantly to the Roanoke – Blacksburg community in which we live.

STEM-H Educator Award
This award recognizes a K-12 educator in the Roanoke – Blacksburg region that promotes math, science, and/or use of technology in creative ways to transfer knowledge and help develop future technology leaders.

Entrepreneur Award
Entrepreneurs are a different breed. Sometimes it takes nerves of steel to blaze a new path. This award recognizes someone in our community who exemplifies what it means to be a risk-taker in the technology field.

Innovator Award
This award recognizes Innovation in developing or Innovation in applying technology by an individual, a group of individuals, company, or other organization that sets the standard for thought leadership and innovation in their respective field. By definition, they are doing something new or different, and they are doing it well. Their innovation represents a significant technological breakthrough or addresses a great market opportunity or both.

People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award gives the TechNite audience the opportunity to learn more about up and coming companies in the Roanoke – Blacksburg region and vote for their favorite. The highest votes receives the People’s Choice Award.

 


As of March 28 (5pm) Nominations are Now Closed.

Common Wealth Growth Group invests millions in Blacksburg’s Qualtrax

Roanoke’s newest investing firm is betting millions on its first local company: a 23-year-old software firm with a swanky new office and plans to finally shed its low profile.

Qualtrax only became a standalone business last year, after two decades inside Christiansburg’s CCS Inc. (now FoxGuard Solutions), which had made compliance software since the 1980s.

Qualtrax is preparing to make its public debut with a $3 million cash infusion.

The funding was led by Common Wealth Growth Group, the investing firm launched last year by Roanoke’s former Interactive Achievement CEO Jon Hagmaier. Other investors include San Francisco venture capital firm Lyden Capital and CCS executives Marty Muscatello and Tim Lawson.

With the investment announced Tuesday, Qualtrax President Amy Ankrum said she hopes to see things take off with more employees and better brand exposure right in Virginia Tech’s back yard.

Read the full story at The Roanoke Times website >>>

RAMP Business Accelerator Launches Crowdfunding Drive to Support Region’s Startups

The RAMP business accelerator has launched a crowdfunding drive to support its goal of growing high-potential startups in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region. The campaign, launched Oct. 28 through the Tilt platform, aims to raise $25,000 to help outfit team rooms occupied by the startups accepted in the RAMP program.

This is the first fundraising drive by RAMP, which will be located in the renovated Gill Memorial Building at 709 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Roanoke. Renovations are currently under way, with the building expected to open in early 2017. The first class of RAMP startup companies is expected to start in mid-2017.

RAMP, which stands for Regional Acceleration and Mentoring Program, is led by a volunteer advisory board whose members are drawn from the founding partners:

  • The City of Roanoke, which won a $600,000 state grant approved by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to renovate the Gill building as an accelerator;
  • Virginia Western Community College, which will provide business education classes and faculty support;
  • The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, which will hire RAMP’s executive director and develop the accelerator’s mentorship and networking initiatives.

RAMP’s programming will be based on best practices garnered from existing successful business accelerators. It will initially focus on accelerating three to five technology- or life science-focused companies in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare each per year. Entrepreneurs accepted into RAMP will work closely with multiple mentors during an intensive three- to four-month “boot camp for founders” designed to focus on building, testing, improving, validating product-market fit, and launching their product for the market.

To donate to the RAMP Tilt campaign, go to: RAMPTilt.com

To learn more about RAMP, go to: RAMPrb.tech

Download the press release.

RBTC Launches Search for CEO and Director of Events/Member Engagement

As Roanoke-Blacksburg’s premier professional association, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) is an essential resource for entrepreneurs and technology companies seeking to achieve greater success. We are a non-profit member-driven association of businesses and organizations in the greater Roanoke-Blacksburg region working together to promote the growth and success of the region’s technology sector. Our membership includes more than 225 organizations from emerging technology firms to some of the largest employers in the region. The RBTC is building a technology community that is a catalyst for innovation, inspiration, success, and leadership within our region.

The Search for a New CEO

At the recent departure of former CEO, Jonathan Whitt, we have launched a national search for a new CEO. Our organization is strategically positioned for continued success and we are looking for a visionary leader who will carry on this momentum into the future.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roanoke – Blacksburg Technology Council is a key connector of the region’s technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial community. The CEO is a people connector, a problem solver, a membership builder, and supports member success. The CEO is responsible for evolving and implementing the strategic and operational plans of the RBTC in a manner consistent with our mission to:

  1. Serve and promote the region’s technology industry for the purpose of driving regional prosperity and
  2. To champion a climate for the sustainable success of technology-based businesses in the region.

The CEO strives to fulfill the RBTC’s strategic objectives of connecting and uniting the region’s technology community; developing and educating thought-leaders, mentors, and the technology workforce; and improving access to talent.

VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD OR VIEW AS PDF


Additional Job Opening: Director of Events and Member Engagement

In addition to the role of CEO, we are also seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic person who thrives on activity and results to join our small, innovative team as Director of Events and Member Engagement. The Director of Events and Member Engagement will manage and grow events necessary to meet our member’s needs, retain and expand our membership base, and position the organization for continued growth. In addition to the CEO, the Director of Events and Member Engagement will be a visible face of the RBTC and will represent the organization to a wide variety of members, stakeholders, and partners.

VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD OR VIEW AS PDF

Help spread the word about our search to fill these important RBTC roles.

Cox Business Taps Local Entrepreneurs for ‘Get Started Roanoke’ Pitch Competition

Cox Business is seeking local entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners interested in pitching their business plan or idea for a chance to walk away with more than $14,000 in cash and technology prizes at Get Started Roanoke.

As part of the ongoing Get Started business series, local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges consisting of successful entrepreneurs and distinguished experts. Judges will include Maria Aspan of Inc. magazine and local influencers Ed Walker, Tamea Franco, and Jonathan Hagmaier. All contestants and event attendees will receive valuable advice from the judges at the conclusion of each pitch.

Get Started offers entrepreneurs the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential investors while entering them into the alumni network of former Get Started competitors and winners. Pitches take place in front of a live audience, providing entrepreneurs additional exposure for their business idea. The Roanoke event will be held at The Taubman Museum of Art on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Admission is free, but registration is required to attend.

Local entrepreneurs interested in competing can enter at http://www.coxblue.com/getstartedstarcity/ where they must provide a 250-word description of the idea or business plan to be pitched. Applications will close at 11:59pm on September 19, 2016.  Entrants will be notified by close of business on September 21, 2016 if they have been selected as a finalist. The five finalists will receive two coaching sessions in advance of the competition to prepare.

Those interested in attending should register at http://www.coxblue.com/getstartedstarcity/ to secure their free admission to Get Started Roanoke.

Since 2013, Cox Business has hosted 24 Get Started pitch competitions across the country and awarded more than $250,000 in cash and prizes to local entrepreneurs.

Cox Business is bringing Get Started to Roanoke (#GetStartedStarCity) , in partnership with Inc. Magazine.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
WHERE: The Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
ADMISSION: This event is FREE and open to the public but you must register to attend.

Reception and Networking
Complimentary cocktails & hors d’oeuvres at one of the best networking events you’ll attend this year! (served before and after the competition)

Registration is now open – Limited Seating – Reserve Your Seat Now

Virginia Velocity Tour: Discovering Virginia’s Top Startups

In the past two decades, accelerated innovation, demographic shifts, and globalization have transformed our nation’s economy and redefined opportunity in the American workplace. Virginia has the opportunity to stay in front of these trends by supporting entrepreneurs that will drive innovation and produce jobs in energy, health, agriculture, and other sectors that will thrive in the 21st century.

This September, the Virginia Velocity Tour will travel the Commonwealth to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs building Virginia’s 21st century economy. It’s a jam-packed week of tours, talks, and pitch competitions with over $100,000 in prizes. Help recruit, celebrate, and support Virginia’s top startups!

The tour is planned in partnership with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe; the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Virginia Velocity; Village Capital; and local partners across the Commonwealth.

Start-ups:  Application deadline is August 18!

Applications are now open to early-stage entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth (see minimum eligibility requirements below). A total of 30-40 selected finalists will be selected to participate in one day of the Virginia Velocity Tour – not necessarily in the region where they are based.

From September 19-23, the Virginia Velocity Tour bus will travel to five regions across the Commonwealth and celebrate an industry that the region is proud of:

  • 9/19: Roanoke/Blacksburg – STEM/Energy
  • 9/20: Richmond – Products/E-Commerce
  • 9/21: Hampton Roads – Biotechnology/Health
  • 9/22: Northern Virginia – Cybersecurity/GovTech
  • 9/23: Charlottesville – Agriculture/Food

At each stop, we will invite 5-8 finalists from across the Commonwealth to participate in the day’s events, based on the industry they work in. Over the course of each day, the finalists will engage with local businesses; network with the region’s civic and business leaders; and participate in a public pitch competition, where one finalist will win a $25,000 equity-free grant prize.

Note that your startup does not need to be based in a particular region to participate in that region’s events.

Learn More at: VirginiaVelocityTour.org

 

Roanoke Times: Local Entrepreneurs Ready to Bet on Startup Funding

Jon Hagmaier launched a Roanoke tech company, watched it grow for 10 years and then sell for more than he ever imagined — and now he is getting ready to reinvest part of his windfall in the next generation of entrepreneurs.

He says he doesn’t want to do it alone. And there are clear signs he won’t be.

He’s part of a growing movement among the region’s business elites who are taking big bets on small companies, and in the process reigniting the region’s stagnant startup financing market.

Hagmaier is launching his investment firm, called Common Wealth Growth Group, at the same time as at least four other local projects are getting off the ground.

A group recently packed a conference room at Roanoke’s Center in the Square on a July afternoon for an invite-only meeting to organize their next steps. The group of about 25 active investors and startup founders shared their thoughts and laid out a regional vision. They talked about the fact that the area hasn’t been able to provide enough access to capital, according to several investors who participated.

These investment groups are considered the lifeblood of startup ecosystems, as almost every company needs some sort of financial backing. Startups, especially in the tech industry, can take years to generate revenue. If a startup can’t find funding in its hometown during those critical first steps, it will often leave — or die…

Read the full article at the Roanoke Times website