FAQ

RAMP Up is a regional accelerator designed to help innovative businesses in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, food systems, animal sciences, and other rural innovation sectors grow and scale. Whether you’re launching a brand-new startup or expanding an existing business through a new product, service, or market, the program provides education, mentorship, and connections to help accelerate your next stage of growth.

 RAMP Up is designed for innovative businesses at a variety of stages. You might be an entrepreneur developing your first product or technology, or you might already own an established business that’s ready to innovate, reach new customers, or bring a new product to market.

Businesses must operate within our eligible geographic service area and align with one of the program’s focus industries, including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, food systems, animal sciences, and other related rural innovation sectors. If you’re unsure whether your business is a fit, we encourage you to reach out. We’d be happy to talk with you.

RAMP Up is designed to be a hands-on experience. Participants commit to eight sessions, with seven held in person in South Boston and one offered virtually. In addition, each company receives a weekly virtual coaching and mentoring session to help apply what they’re learning directly to their business.

Along the way, you’ll work with experienced mentors, strengthen your business strategy, refine your pitch, and build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The program concludes with Pitch Day on November 19 and 20 in Roanoke, where participants present their businesses.

It is a commitment, and we recognize that entrepreneurs are balancing a lot. That’s why we’ve intentionally designed the program to deliver practical value every step of the way. The coaching, mentorship, curriculum, and connections are all focused on helping you grow your business, not just attend another class.

Thanks to the generous support of our program sponsors and partners, we’re able to make this investment in the entrepreneurs and businesses that are helping shape the future of rural innovation.

Companies that successfully complete the program and meet all eligibility requirements are also eligible to apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to help accelerate their next stage of growth.

Don’t count yourself out. We’ve designed RAMP Up to meet entrepreneurs where they are. If you have an innovative idea or a business that’s ready for its next stage of growth, we’d encourage you to start the conversation. We’d much rather answer your questions than have you miss an opportunity because you weren’t sure if you qualified.

Yes you can have multiple people from your team participate–we encourage it! We do ask that RAMP Up participants all be key decision makers for their business.

We encourage at least one person from each company attend each session. So if you cannot make it, you can send another team member in your stead. If extenuating circumstances arise, we’ll work with you on options.

A novel technology is a new or meaningfully improved product, process, material, software, or technical solution. It does not have to be completely new to the world, but it should offer a different or better way to solve a specific problem.

Examples may include:

• A new product or prototype
• An existing technology adapted for a new industry or customer
• A meaningful improvement to how something is made, grown, processed, monitored, transported, or used
• Specialized software, equipment, automation, or manufacturing technology
• A new use of agricultural, forestry, food-system, or natural-resource materials
• Technology that improves efficiency, safety, sustainability, quality, or affordability

A standard service or commonly available product is generally not considered novel unless you are developing a meaningful technical improvement or applying it in a new way.

Priority will be given to applicants developing or commercializing a novel technology. Other businesses may be considered if their product, process, or business model demonstrates meaningful innovation and strong potential for scaling and job creation within one of the program’s target industries.