By: Dr. Ghislaine Lewis| Faculty Advisor
Building Communities Through Partnerships Business Expo 2026 Flyer.
The University of Lynchburg will welcome Central Virginia entrepreneurs and community leaders to join its third annual business expo, “Building Communities Through Partnerships,” scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27.
The event, hosted by the University’s African American Affinity Group, will transform the Memorial Ballroom in the Hall Campus Center into a bustling marketplace from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The expo serves as a strategic bridge between the campus and the community. By providing a professional stage for locally-owned businesses, the university aims to help brands network, increase their visibility, and drive sales directly to the Hornet community.
Dr. Robert Canida, the university’s Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer, said, “We hope that the community and participating businesses see how much UL values them! Secondly, we hope the participating vendors find new customers among our students, staff, and faculty.”
Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers Logo
Returning expo vendor, Delilah White, owner of Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers, said, “We are equally excited to stand alongside the vibrant small business community here in Lynchburg. There is something powerful about entrepreneurs coming together, not to compete, but to uplift one another, collaborate, and build stronger partnerships. That spirit of unity reflects exactly what this Expo is about: building communities through partnerships.”
This year’s lineup already features a diverse array of participants, including:
- Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers
- Birth in Color
- CloudFit Software
- Shena’s Sweet Treats
- Pierce Street Gateway
- Supreme Deals
- Sunshine Marketing Solutions
- Mary Kay Cosmetics.
A pie from the Ry’s Pies ‘N Cobblers collection. Photo by Delilah White.
White noted, “As a local business, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the greatest tools for empowerment. We’re especially looking forward to connecting with students at the University of Lynchburg, sharing our journey, and encouraging the next generation of leaders and creators to pursue their vision boldly. We can’t wait to share our pies, our cobblers, and our story. Lynchburg has supported us so beautifully, and we are grateful to pour that same love right back into our community.”
Expo admission is free and open to the public, and guests can enjoy light refreshments while they browse the stalls.
