Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
RICHRVA (Resource, Innovation, Collaboration Hub) is a community-driven initiative that connects entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations in the Richmond region to resources, partnerships, and support services. Our goal is to help foster a thriving, inclusive, and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially for underepresented entrepreneurs, by making it easier for founders to access what they need to grow and thrive.
RICHRVA is designed for a wide range of users, including:
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking equitable access to resources.
- Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs)
- For Profits, Nonprofits, and community-based organizations.
- Corporations, funders, and ecosystem builders who want to connect with and invest in under-resourced businesses.
- Policy makers and researchers interested in Richmond’s entrepreneurial landscape.
RICHRVA connects entrepreneurs with business support services, funding opportunities, mentors, and training programs, while also linking support organizations directly to business owners. The platform highlights ecosystem partners, making it easier to see who is doing what across the region. By curating and mapping resources, the hub ensures that entrepreneurs — especially those who have been historically underrepresented — gain equitable access to the tools, opportunities, and connections they need to succeed.
Both entrepreneurs and entrepreneur support organizations can create a profile on RICHRVA.
- Entrepreneurs can add their business information to increase visibility, connect with resources, and share their services with the wider ecosystem.
- Entrepreneur support organizations (such as nonprofits, accelerators, funders, and training programs) can add their services to the Resource Hub so founders can easily find and connect with them.
To get started, simply complete the profile submission form on the website. Once reviewed and approved by the RICHRVA team, your profile will appear in the hub and be searchable by the community.
The platform provides access to:
- Business development services and training opportunities.
- Funding sources and capital readiness programs.
- Networking and community-building events.
- Technical assistance, mentoring, and professional services.
- Ecosystem mapping tools to explore organizations and resources in the Richmond region.
All of these are designed to support equity and inclusion while strengthening the ecosystem for everyone.
You can engage in multiple ways:
- Create Your User Profile
- Explore the Resource Hub to find services that fit your needs.
- Join community events and collaborative sessions that build inclusive networks.
- Partner with us as a funder, sponsor, or ecosystem organization committed to equity.
- Share feedback to help us improve the platform and better serve the community.
Yes, accessing the RICHRVA platform and exploring resources is free. Some individual programs, services, or events listed on the site may have fees or eligibility requirements, but the central hub itself is open and accessible to all. This ensures everyone has an opportunity to participate in a thriving, inclusive, and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How to Use the RICHRVA Resource Hub
Enter the Hub
Go to hub.richrva.com and click Sign In / Register in the top-right corner. A panel will slide open from the right side of your screen.
You do not need an account to browse the Resource Directory or read the Business Guides — but creating one is free and unlocks your personal dashboard.
Create Your Free Account
In the panel, choose the Create Account tab and select whether you are an Entrepreneur or a Partner Organization.
Enter your name, email, business name, and business phase, then choose a password. You will receive a confirmation email — click the link inside it to activate your account.
Already have an account? Use the Sign In tab in the same panel.
Find Your Way Around
Home — your dashboard, saved work, and the AI Business Advisor
Community — the Resource Directory, upcoming events, and the peer network
Learn — Business Guides, the reference library, and downloadable templates
My Program — your personalized journey, goals, and coaching (enrolled participants only)
Explore the Resource Directory
The Resource Directory lists 293 organizations serving Greater Richmond entrepreneurs — lenders, nonprofits, training programs, incubators, government agencies, and more.
No account is required to use the directory.
Use the Business Guides
The Business Guides walk you through each phase of the business lifecycle.
Each guide covers the practical steps for that phase — registration, licensing, banking, insurance, marketing, hiring, funding, succession planning, and more.
Read them at guides.richrva.com. No account needed.
Get Support
Beyond the directory and guides, the HUB connects you to real support:
AI Business Advisor — available 24/7 for questions about your business
Business Analyzer — upload your business documents for an assessment of your stage, gaps, and recommended next steps
Events — workshops, trainings, and networking across Greater Richmond
Questions? Email info@richrva.com
QUICK LINKS
RICHRVA is the one-stop shop for information about Greater Richmond's business ecosystem. Explore thousands of resources, entrepreneur support organizations, events, and local businesses on one platform - for free
Click the titles below to navigate through the road map.