Norfolk, VA—June 7, 2023 —LISC Hampton Roads and RISE today announced a new partnership focused on addressing resilience threats faced by vulnerable communities in the region — culminating in the launch of an innovation challenge aimed at finding new and effective solutions.

As part of the partnership, LISC Hampton Roads and RISE will host a Challenge Design Workshop (CDW) on June 28. The CDW will be facilitated by MIT Solve and gather feedback from stakeholders, experts, and community members to define the biggest threats related to community resilience including affordable housing, financial stability, healthcare accessibility and small business development.

“We are thrilled to partner with RISE on this exciting initiative that will foster collaboration amongst the brightest minds to develop innovative solutions for building healthy and sustainable communities,” said Jay Grant, Executive Director, LISC Hampton Roads. “By hosting a CDW and Innovation Challenge, we are creating a space for collaboration and creativity that will help us tackle the complex challenges facing our region. Together, we can create a more resilient future for the Hampton Roads community.”

The Innovation Challenge, which will be launched following the workshop, will invite entrepreneurs, innovators, and nonprofit organizations to submit innovative solutions to address the identified problems sourced through the CDW. The winners of the innovation challenge will collectively receive a total of more than $1 million in funding and support to bring their solutions to fruition.

“At RISE, we believe that building resilience is a collective effort and we are excited to partner with LISC Hampton Roads to identify and support innovative solutions that will empower communities in the region to better withstand and recover from shocks and stresses,” said Paul Robinson, RISE Executive Director. “The CDW and Innovation Challenge will provide a platform for us to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and tap into their expertise and creativity to develop new approaches for building community resilience and source novel solutions to the problems we identify. We look forward to working with LISC Hampton Roads to create lasting impact and positive change in the region.”

The partnership between LISC Hampton Roads and RISE represents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change in the region by promoting collaboration and innovation. The Innovation Challenge and CDW are financially backed by Sentara Health, with additional support opportunities available for interested parties.

For more information about the Challenge Design Workshop or the Innovation Challenge, please visit liscrisecdw.com.

About LISC Hampton Roads

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a national nonprofit that provides financing and support for community development around the country. As one of 38 local offices, LISC Hampton Roads works with local government, community development corporations, and other nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze opportunity. With residents and partners, LISC Hampton Roads forges resilient and inclusive communities in Hampton Roads — contributing to regional efforts to create great places to live, work, visit, do business, and raise families.

About RISE

RISE is a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to finding, funding and scaling innovative solutions for coastal communities facing the impacts of flooding and other climate-related challenges. Since 2018, RISE has deployed over $7 million to support more than 35 businesses and established the only ecosystem and living lab for coastal resilience entrepreneurs.

LISC Hampton Roads and RISE Resilience Partner to Launch Innovation Challenge