Economic Conditions for Entrepreneurs with Richmond Fed

Join the Discussion on Economic Conditions for Entrepreneurs

Sonya Ravindranath Waddell is a vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Waddell joined the Research Department in January 2008. She oversees the regional and community development research area within the department. Her responsibilities include running surveys of businesses and other organizations, directing and engaging in analysis on economic and community development issues, analyzing and providing information on regional and national economic trends, and directing the incorporation of regional information into the Richmond Fed's monetary policymaking process.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Waddell worked as an economist in the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget and at ICF International in Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor's degree from Williams College in 2001 and her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. She currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Association of Economists, the YWCA of Richmond, the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, and the Virginia Opera. She is also a member of the Joint Advisory Board of Economists for the Commonwealth of Virginia and has served on the board of the Richmond Association of Business Economics.

This discussion will cover:

• The primary economic trends for the region including price levels and employment data.
• Interest rates and other insights related to small business credit.
• Survey results and data points for entrepreneurs to keep in mind.
• Downside risks.

The Discussion. This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design.

At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors.

Logistics. This event will occur immediately before the main reception for Techstars Startup Weekend. We recommend allowing additional time for parking on campus.

• Friday, February 20, 2026
• 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion

No pre-registration is required. Join us:
Robins School of Business

102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Parking. Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor.

Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window.

Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number.

On Zoom Webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1