Support for Virginia's Ecosystem Development
VIPC’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EE) was established in July 2020 to support and promote technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. We work closely with startup accelerators and incubators, training providers, technology councils, chambers of commerce, investor groups, and other Virginia-based organizations that work with entrepreneurs through the early stages of business formation and growth. EE launched the Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) in March 2021, and more details on this program appear below. EE actively promotes VIPC’s portfolio of entrepreneurship support programs.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems acts as a supporter, connector, and convener for entrepreneurial ecosystems and startup communities throughout Virginia. These stakeholders include accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, economic developers, technology councils, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and others who assist founders during the early stages of business formation and growth.
If you have any questions about EE or the RIF, please contact the division at RIF@VirginiaIPC.org.
-Funding Opportunities-
Regional Innovation Fund (RIF)
The Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) is a state-funded program that awards competitive grants for operating and programmatic support to Virginia-based entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) that serve science and technology-based enterprises and ecosystems. RIF awardees are eligible to apply for subsequent years of funding, provided that they continue to achieve projected outcomes and impacts. The RIF is administered by VIPC’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Division (EED). The RIF guidelines, procedures and criteria outlined here are effective as of September 6, 2022.
Virginia Accelerator Network (VAN)
The Virginia Accelerator Network (VAN) is a consortium of nonprofit entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) dedicated to transforming economic development across the Commonwealth by supporting the launch and growth of early-stage, innovation-based startups.
Regional Partners:
- 757 Collab, Norfolk
- 434 Accelerator, Charlottesville
- Charlottesville BioHub, Charlottesville
- Dominion Energy Innovation Center, Ashland
- Lighthouse Labs, Richmond
- Regional Acceleration and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Roanoke
- RIoT, Stafford
- Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, Staunton
- Smart City Works, Tysons
- Startup Virginia, Richmond
- Innovate Hampton Roads, Hampton
- The Advancement Foundation, Vinton
- The Launch Place, Danville