Meet this week's guest editor, Dale Fickett! A driving force in Richmond’s entrepreneurial landscape, Dale blends academia, innovation, and advocacy to create economic opportunities for aspiring business owners. As an entrepreneurship professor at the University of Richmond and president of RVA Works, he leads a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking down financial and educational barriers to business ownership.
A recognized thought leader, Dale contributes to Forbes and advises the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, shaping policies that empower small businesses nationwide. His research spans entrepreneurial finance and developmental economics, with global collaborations that include Trinity College Dublin, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Virginia, and Northwestern University. He is currently exploring the transformative potential of AI and blockchain to increase access to small business credit.
Beyond academia and policy, Dale has firsthand experience as a founder in the retail sector and as a strategy consultant for Accenture’s European Financial Services practice. But his true passion lies in fatherhood and his missionary work in rural Haiti, where he continues to make a lasting impact on communities in need.
Take it away, Dale …
RVA Works
Let’s begin with RVA Works, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to helping more people become business owners—particularly those facing social or economic barriers to entrepreneurship. RVA Works offers a range of educational, promotional, and financial support services designed to empower emerging founders. Since 2014, more than 100 new businesses have benefited from RVA Works’ programs, with alumni reporting an average 38% increase in annual income. The organization provides business training, network-building opportunities, and ongoing support to help entrepreneurs grow—regardless of their industry, revenue, or stage of development.
Connect and collaborate with Richmond’s entrepreneurial community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this is your chance to meet fellow founders, share ideas, and build valuable connections in a relaxed setting. Don't forget to bring your business cards and a friend or colleague who would love to join us at the HogsHead Cafe.
1 Million Cups (1MC) provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and the community to gather, connect, and grow. It’s a place where Richmonders can work through business challenges and discover new opportunities. These inspiring events offer a chance for local entrepreneurs to learn from one another within a thriving community of peer-founders. For the next event, register to join us as we spotlight an exciting new startup: Clique, a dating app that makes meeting new people safe and fun by connecting friend groups for group meetups. Combining the best of traditional dating apps with a social, safety-first approach, Clique recently took 1st place at Techstars Startup Weekend – Changemakers Richmond, hosted at the University of Richmond.
Vitals:
1 Million Cups: Clique / Wednesday, April 2 / 9:00 AM / University of Richmond, Robins School of Business, 102 UR Drive iLab - Room 123
More About 1MC.
The Richmond startup community has experienced significant progress over the past ten years, including growth in the number and quality of support services for innovators and entrepreneurs. This national program of the Kauffman Foundation has now expanded to help entrepreneurs in over 100 communities. With over 400 Richmond meetups, our region has received recognition as one of the most consistent support hubs for these founders.
1 Million Cups Richmond has now joined the range of public events hosted by the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, and many emerging business owners have benefited from student assistance offered through the Spider Business Hub. Public events such as the Robins Executive Speaker Series, C-Suite Conversations, Techstars Startup Weekend Richmond, and 1 Million Cups draw innovative leaders, faculty, and students to discuss society’s most pressing challenges.
