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.
Meet this week's guest editor, Dr. Hollee Freeman! A nationally certified educator with over 30 years of experience in K-12, higher education, and educational administration, Dr. Freeman is dedicated to transformative STEM learning. A TEDx and Creative Mornings RVA speaker, her work on education reform, DEI, and teaching practices has been featured in books, podcasts, and articles. She is also a self-published author of five children’s books and develops custom curricula for schools and organizations.
Beyond education, Dr. Freeman is a beekeeper, filmmaker, and radio host. She manages nine honeybee colonies through City Bees RVA and leads several ventures, including the Hollee Freeman Foundation and Freeman Educational & Business Consulting LLC. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, crafting, and watercolor painting. A passionate traveler, she dreams of conducting global research on beekeeping.
Take it away, Hollee...
Oakwood Arts
Oakwood Arts opens the door to creativity and career opportunities, breaking down barriers to make the arts and creative industries accessible to all. Through dynamic community engagement, inspiring programs, and hands-on learning experiences, they spark imagination and empower individuals to turn their passions into professions. From mastering cutting-edge digital tools to building the technical skills essential for success, Oakwood Arts’ classes and workshops prepare students to thrive in the ever-evolving world of creative work.
The Fourth Trimester Mental Health Program supports new parents through the challenges of early parenthood. It offers free mental health screenings for mothers and fathers, outpatient therapy sessions, and monthly postpartum group support on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Join Zawadi Nyong’o on Wed, Jan 29th for the first SoulCare With Zawadi Session of 2025! This event will be held LIVE on the Insight Timer platform during the first New Moon of the year. This is an opportunity to do a final clearing of 2024 and prepare for the year ahead. Zawadi creates sacred spaces for Black womxn to rest, restore, rewild, reconnect with their souls, and remember who they truly are.
Dr. Hollee Freeman shares her passion for beekeeping and Richmond through free monthly honey tastings and book readings centered on City Bees, a book she co-authored celebrating pollinators and the city’s cultural landmarks. Each event features unique, seasonal honey varietals. Stay connected by following on Instagram and Facebook and subscribing to the Hollee Freeman Foundation newsletter for updates.
As a state-certified apprentice beekeeper, Dr. Freeman also offers the Honeybees and Me course, a 6-month self-paced program with live group sessions and optional apiary visits. Enrollment is open until January 30th—Register Here to join this one-of-a-kind experience!
Stay connected and inspired through social media and the newsletter—let’s grow and learn together!
Meet this week's guest editor, Ricky Parker! An accomplished educator, creative professional, and social impact advocate, Ricky is the Vice President at JPMorgan Chase. He leads community engagement efforts to foster relationships with local leaders and drive positive change. A co-founder of Shockoe Wine, Ricky understands the challenges small business owners face and champions continuous education and innovation. With extensive experience across educational and professional settings, he brings a unique perspective on the value of embracing diverse ideas.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ricky is the Founding Director of the Hip Hop Studies Program at Virginia Union University. An avid collector of fine art and rare Hip Hop memorabilia, he also enjoys hiking in his free time.
Take it away, Ricky ...
Celebratory Bubbles for New Year's Tasting
Raise a glass to the New Year at Echelon Wine Bar’s exclusive sparkling wine and champagne tasting! Enjoy six effervescent selections perfect for your year-end celebration. Take advantage of special pricing to stock up for your party, and toast to 2025 in style.
Celebrate the holidays in style with the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at RVA’s premier holiday party. Kappa Khristmas Kocktails ‘24 will feature great music, festive vibes, and holiday cheer at the iconic Main Street Station. Don’t miss this unforgettable night!
Vitals:
Kappa Khristmas Kocktails / Saturday, December 21, 7:00 - 11:00 pm / $55 per person / Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street
Holiday Toy Drive
Spread joy this holiday season with the Dreamers Academy Foundation! Drop off a toy at Red Hibachi or Pig & Brew to help brighten a child’s Christmas. Together, let’s make the season magical for local families in need.
Vitals:
Holiday Toy Drive / Monday, December 23, 12:00 - 5:00 pm / Toy Donations / Drop off at Red Hibachi (1011 Hull Street) or Pig & Brew (1313 Hull Street)
Last Minute Holiday Shopping?
Shop Local.
MADE HERE.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Ricky serves as the Advisor for 1223 Potomac Gallery, a cutting-edge contemporary art space located in the heart of Georgetown, DC. Under his guidance, the gallery has become a key player in the local art scene, fostering emerging talent and promoting artistic innovation. Currently, the gallery’s artist-in-residence is Corey Ramon Gibson, a celebrated visual artist who was recently honored during Miami Art Week for his outstanding contributions to the DC art movement. Gibson’s work, which explores the intersection of cultural identity and contemporary expression, continues to captivate audiences and elevate the gallery’s reputation as a hub for transformative art.
Through Ricky's leadership, 1223 Potomac Gallery remains at the forefront of showcasing exceptional talent and supporting the creative community.
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