Roanoke-Blacksburg Innovation Network

The go virginia strengthening entrepreneurs' impact grant began on dec. 1, 2023, which supports the expansion of ramp (regional accelerator and mentoring program) by adding on ramp and exit ramp programming and resources to support early-stage entrepreneurs/startups, as well as later-stage ramp alumni companies in the technology and biotechnology sectors as they grow and scale. Ramp launched on ramp, a pre-accelerator program to reduce barriers to entry for early-stage startup companies. The exit ramp program was enhanced by formalizing and elevating continuing education resources for ramp alumni through networking events, trainings, mentorship support, and an investor roadshow.

Eda - rbia received an eda economic adjustment assistance grant for the catalyzing entrepreneur impact and support project, which will provide additional outreach, professional development, and ecosystem travel support for on ramp and exit ramp. This two-year grant project will conclude at the end of august 2026, supporting our early-stage technology and biotechnology support taskforce, ecosystem navigator program (enp), and additional regional networking and collaboration support ramp offers in the innovation ecosystem. Second, on behalf of the regional accelerator & mentoring program (ramp), rbia also received reimbursement expenses in the amount of $20,000 from a separate city of roanoke eda funding for ramp.