Strengthening RVA’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The 1717 Collective brings together a network of entrepreneurial support organizations working in partnership to expand access, resources, and opportunities for small business owners across the Richmond region. This collaborative includes Bridging Virginia, The Metropolitan Business League, Jackson Ward Collective Foundation, Women’s Business Center of Central Virginia, Capital Region Small Business Development Center, Startup Virginia, and Lighthouse Labs—all united to ensure entrepreneurs can connect with the right support at every stage of their journey.

The initiative is designed to make the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem more coordinated and accessible. Entrepreneurs gain not only practical tools and education, but also connections to mentors and peers who understand the challenges of launching and growing a business. Coordinating this work is the Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Director at 1717 Collective— a new position which the Community Foundation was proud to co-fund with Capital One and Altria. By aligning organizations around a shared mission, this new role is helping shape an ecosystem where small businesses can grow, thrive, and contribute to the local economy. The 1717 Collective stands as a model for how collective investment and shared vision can strengthen entrepreneurship from the ground up.

Stories from local founders illustrate how access to these networks can spark transformation—from building out a business plan to scaling operations.