Future of Virginia Entrepreneurship

What is the future of entrepreneurial activity in Virginia? Which emerging opportunities best play to our economic advantages? How can founders take advantage of the STEM / R&D trends?

Meet Carl Knoblock. Carl is District Director for the Small Business Administration, serving 92 counties of Virginia. The office provides:

• Funding Programs
• Counseling
• Federal Contract certifications
• Disaster Recovery
• Referrals

There are an array of economic advantages that play to Virginia’s strengths. The primary areas include inward migration, science and technology, arts and culture, and functions of our geography.

Virginia Advantages play a structural role in positioning the Commonwealth as a location with clear advantages for firms in the following sectors:

• Research & Development
• Additive Manufacturing
• Advanced Logistics
• Data Centers & Data Science
• Life Sciences & Health Care Technology

Carl Knoblock, prior to his current role, served as district director for the Western Pennsylvania SBA district office. He has served as a C-Level executive for innovative startups, and prior to joining the agency, Knoblock founded a venture in the manufacturing sector. He was a foster parent for over 10 years, and served in the U.S. Navy.

Hear from Carl Knoblock and Dale Fickett, on the new opportunities for entrepreneurs:

• STEM
• Re-shorting Manufacturing
• Product Design
• Research & Development
• SBIR / STTR Funding
• Critical and Emerging Technologies

The following resources, provide helpful context for this important discussion:

• March 2023 – “Inflation Continues & The Opportunities for Entrepreneurs”
• March 2023 - Doing Business in the Virginia District
• February 2023 – Whitehouse - Critical and Emerging Technologies
• Spring 2022 – SBA Small Business Resource Guide

The Discussion. 1 Million Cups is a national entrepreneurship program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which promotes peer learning and professional connections that assist entrepreneurs. Since 2014 and over 380 meetups, 1 Million Cups - Richmond has been pioneered by RVA Works. At each 1 Million Cups, business founders as guest speakers share about their ventures and discuss the challenges that they are facing during the development process. Participants can learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights and make connections within an audience of peer entrepreneurs.

Logistics. Meet entrepreneurs, learn from peers, contribute to the conversation:

• Wednesday, April 5th
• 8:30am EST - Coffee & Connection
• 9–10am 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 (iLab) on the ground floor.

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

On Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81959079470?pwd=SVpWV0puaFpncXNXeENSQU1JV0Iydz09