Venture Visionaries

In the bustling world of retail, few names shine as brightly as Steven C. Smith, the esteemed President and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores and its flagship chain, Food City. With a career spanning decades, Smith has not only navigated the complexities of the industry but has also pioneered innovative approaches, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to community and integrity. A Journey of Leadership and Innovation Steven C. Smith's journey to the summit of the retail industry is a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Smith joined K-VA-T Food Stores in 1982, steadily climbing the ranks through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His ascent to the role of President and CEO in 2012 marked the beginning of a new era for the company. Under Smith's stewardship, K-VA-T Food Stores and Food City have thrived, embracing innovation to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Smith's strategic vi

  🌟 Introducing "Life" 🌟 Step into a world where fashion meets passion, where style intertwines with substance, and where every thread tells a story of resilience and innovation. We are thrilled to unveil the newest sensation in the realm of apparel – "Life" – a brand born from the creative minds and boundless ambition of Demarius Thornton and Kyuntya Ingram, students at Radford University. Demarius Thornton is a Management and Marketing Major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Kyuntya Ingram is an Allied Health Science Major. They got on the topic of starting a business while talking about “leaving their mark on this world and expressing themselves creatively.” They are both highly into fashion and wanted to create a clothing brand that represented their unique artistic vision.  What advice would they give to young aspiring entrepreneurs? Demarius states “Be patient and do not force the process. Avoid letting trends become your brand's identity.”  “LIF

  ANNOUNCEMENT Radford University Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week Radford, VA, February 10, 2024 Radford University is thrilled to announce National Entrepreneurship Week with a series of events designed to foster innovation and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. This Spring, 2024 initiative underscores Radford's commitment to cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. National Entrepreneurship Week Date and Time: Monday, February 12th – Friday, February 17th Location: Various Locations - Venture Lab & Online Details: Hosted by Radford University’s Venture Lab. Includes activities like a Speed Networking Social, Fireside Chat, Innovation Challenge Kickoff webinar, and a special social media campaign. Participation: Open to students, highlighting student entrepreneurship. Monday - Truist Innovation Challenge Kickoff Webinar Release  Date and Time: Monday, February 12th, 5 PM | Location: Recorded Online Details: Online event to di

Junior Achievement Career Success Workshop  at Radford University’s Venture Lab Radford’s Venture Lab invites high school students in SWVA to future JA workshops RADFORD - High School students from Salem High School will participate in a Junior Achievement (JA) Career Success Workshop in partnership with Radford University's Davis College of Business and Economics. Venture Lab will host the first event on Tuesday, January 30th from 9:30am to 1:30pm. The program aims to complement high school standards of learning goals. At the event, students will rotate through 3 stations: Create your personal brand, Conflict resolution and being successful in the college and work environment, Managing your time efficiently    JA plans to conduct more Career Success workshops in the future and is inviting high schools across the region to participate. See below for the full Spring, 2024 JA/RU schedule.  For information about the workshop series and how high school students can participate, pleas