This week’s guest editor, Leah Fremouw is a familiar face and dynamic force in the economic development community. She currently serves as the President & CEO of Bridging Virginia - a newly established community development loan fund. In this role, she partners with businesses, nonprofits, and localities in a variety of industries and growth stages to support their capital needs and movement to the next level. In 2020, she led the relaunch of the Richmond region’s small business development center (SBDC) and in 2021 helped secure $10 million from the General Assembly to establish and fund the new VA CDFI (community development financial institution) Fund, later founding and chairing the VA CDFI Coalition.
Previously, Leah was SVP and Director of Community Innovation at Virginia Community Capital, driving impactful financial services statewide. Her diverse background includes roles at CarLotz, VCU’s Performance Management Group, and Richmond’s public housing communities.
Leah is deeply involved in her community, serving on boards like ChamberRVA and the Partnership for Housing Affordability, and launching the Renegade Capital podcast. She has led TEDxRVA, chaired Impact 100 Richmond, and earned accolades like the VCU Top 10 Under 10 award. Appointed to the GO Virginia Board by Governor Northam, Leah is also a real estate and business investor, contributing to projects like the Regency Mall pickleball facility.
Take it away, Leah…
PopUp RVA
PopUp RVA is back for its fourth season, offering Richmond’s largest weekly vendor market at The Diamond. Featuring 50-70 local businesses, including artisans, food trucks, and dessert stands, the event also boasts live music, a margarita bar, and various beverages. Free to attend, each week presents a new lineup of vendors and entertainment, ensuring a unique and fun-filled experience supporting local businesses and enjoying great food and music.
Vitals:
PopUp RVA / Saturday, May 25th, 10am - 3pm, free / The Diamond, 3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230
Richmond Liminal
Heed the call to adventure in Carytown! In this city-wide game of art & wit, you'll join the Wandering Liminal Society in their quest to fight the Void. Use your wits to find remnants of inspiration from the past and your artistry to create something beautiful for the future in the secret and forgotten spaces of the city! Bring your whole squad or fly solo. All experience levels & abilities welcome. Voted Best Interactive event at its world premiere at Adelaide Fringe in Australia, this is a co-project of local creators, Sam Chan & Carmel Clavin.
Vitals:
Richmond Liminal / every Friday in June, 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM, $32+ / VMFA Sculpture Garden, 1613 W. Laburnum Ave Richmond, VA 23227
The Hello Summer Festival
The Love Movement Social Event Series presents The Hello Summer Festival, a community celebration to kick off the summer season. The lineup is filled with incredible music from The Love Movement, DJ Adapt, DJ Kirven, and DJ E1, hosted by the energetic Chey Butta. Enjoy live performances from R&B sensation LoveJoi and Washington DC’s own Go-Go legends, The Experience Band and Show! The festival will also feature a variety of vendors, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of fun, all in support of a great cause.
Vitals:
The Hello Summer Festival / Saturday, May 25th, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, $15 tickets / Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Lane Richmond, VA 23220
More From Leah...
We're honored that Bridging Virginia has been nominated for Richmond Times-Dispatch's 2024 Richmond The Best Awards. Nominations close May 29. Click here to learn more and nominate us!
On a more personal note, I’m compiling my summer reading list, starting with my friend Andrea Longton’s new book, "The Social Justice Investor." You can order it at a local bookstore like the Book Bar RVA. Also, pick up Jessica Norwood’s book, "Believe in You Money"—you won’t regret it!
My weekends are packed with pickleball games and tournaments. As an investor in Performance Pickleball RVA, I plan to play in many tournaments. The upcoming Body Armor 804 Open, featuring pro divisions, live broadcasts, food, and music, promises to be fun for players and spectators. See you on the courts!
