Minority Business Consortium

09/09/2026

Thank you Dakayla Rogers and Kaden Lucas for your dedicated hard work and support to this organization.

🌟 Work-Based Learning Spotlight!

Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom! Throughout the school year, we’ll be spotlighting HCPS students who are gaining valuable, real-world experience through Work-Based Learning opportunities in our community.

These experiences allow students to explore careers, build professional skills, and put what they are learning into action as they prepare for what comes next.

We can’t wait for you to see where learning takes them! Thank you, Minority Business Consortium for partnering with us!

08/28/2026

A hobby and a business aren’t always the same thing. If you’re going to have a viable niche, it has to create value. CRW

08/28/2026

A great day at the SOVA RISE Summit!

The MBC team had the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners from across Southern Virginia. From conversations and new connections to hearing different perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation, it was a great opportunity to simply be in the room and be part of the movement.

We appreciate SOVA Innovation Hub for creating a space where people can connect, learn, and build relationships that move our region forward.

We’re looking forward to continuing to show up, connect, and build alongside our community.

08/14/2026

Building the skills behind future success.📈👨‍💼

The Minority Business Consortium was proud to lead a Professionalism Workshop during AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, giving students the opportunity to learn, engage, and strengthen the skills they’ll carry into the workplace.

From professional communication and workplace expectations to making a strong first impression, these are the skills that help turn opportunities into possibilities.

MBC is committed to connecting with the next generation and creating experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

🎥Take a look at some highlights from the day!

Empowering Business. Building Community.

Video Credit: Already Won Productions

08/13/2026

Visit us at the 2026 RISE Summit on August 27 in Danville!

The RISE Summit brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, manufacturers, farmers, and community leaders from across Southern Virginia for a day of learning, new ideas, and valuable connections.

We’ll be exhibiting during the Summit, so stop by, say hello, and chat with our team. We’re excited to be part of the day and hope to see you there!

Learn more and register at https://sovarise.com/rise-summit-2026/

08/13/2026

🚀 Ready to strengthen your business and prepare for funding?

Join us for the Funding Readiness Clinic on September 15, 2026, from 9 AM–1 PM at the West Piedmont Higher Education Center in Martinsville.

Get practical, one-on-one guidance on financial organization, funding preparation, website support, and improving your online presence. Registration is required!

📅 September 15, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–1 PM
📍 191 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the registration link to reserve your spot!

08/12/2026

🚀 Great opportunity for new businesses in Martinsville-Henry County! StartUp MHC is an 8-week Small Business Bootcamp designed to help entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their businesses.

📅 Applications are due this Friday August 14, 2026 — don’t miss your chance to be part of this opportunity!

C-PEG LAUNCHES FALL 2026 SMALL BUSINESS BOOT APPLICATION PROCESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7/22/2026 - MARTINSVILLE, VA - The Chamber's Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) is launching its application process for the Fall 2026 round of StartUp Martinsville-Henry County. StartUp Martinsville-Henry County is an 8-week boot-camp for new companies who have been in business for 2 years or less. The application process is competitive, and applicants must comply with the program guidelines. Applications are due by noon on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Partners include C-PEG, City of Martinsville, Henry County, Community Investment Collaborative, and the Campbell Family Group. Since 2015, when the initiative originally began as Startup Martinsville in the Uptown Martinsville area with a Community Business Launch grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the geographic area has grown to include the entire footprint in the City of Martinsville and Henry County thanks to support from both locales and private sector funding. C-PEG received additional grant funding from the To***co Region Revitalization Commission which awards a dollar-for-dollar match to businesses from the targeted sectors including agribusiness, technology, small-scale production, manufacturing, and health care businesses.

To date, the initiative has successfully graduated 395 individuals from its training programs, awarded 142 businesses with over $879,228 in cash and in-kind funding.

C-PEG partners with Patrick & Henry Community College to deliver the entrepreneurial boot camp sessions as well as Longwood’s Small Business Development Center, and a host of staff from the City and County, local entrepreneurs and business experts.
All interested participants are encouraged to complete the online application located at the link labeled Boot Camp Application by the deadline of August 14, 2026. Applications are being accepted for the StartUp MHC boot camp only. More details can be found in Guidelines for Start Up MHC and Grow MHC link below. https://forms.gle/Ca37VfZNURy9Y4Y97

Please contact the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce with any questions at 276.632.6401 or [email protected].

Martinsville-Henry County Chamber's Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) is an independent, yet closely aligned, charitable affiliate of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. C-PEG is charged with funding and supporting the area's efforts to improve economic growth. �

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08/10/2026

Innovation starts with people who are willing to learn, collaborate, and take the next step.

The 2026 RISE Summit is your opportunity to gain practical strategies, discover new resources, and connect with entrepreneurs and innovators who are making an impact across Southern Virginia.

Join us for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.

📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026
📍 Institute for Advanced Learning & Research | Danville, VA

🎟️ Take advantage of Early Bird pricing by registering now and securing your spot at a discounted rate!

🔗 Register here: https://risesummit2026.eventbrite.com

08/07/2026

Professionalism opens doors. Confidence helps students walk through them.

Today, the Minority Business Consortium had the opportunity to lead a professionalism workshop during AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to make a strong first impression.

From professional communication and workplace etiquette to interview preparation, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest investments we can make in our community.

Thank you to Henry County Public Schools, our community partners, and every student who showed up ready to learn and grow.

Together, we're building tomorrow's workforce—one opportunity at a time.