2021 at the SOVA Innovation Hub
SOVA Innovation Hub
A hub for innovative partnerships and programs focused on digital skills and entrepreneurship.
In January, construction was finished on the building and we prepared to open the coworking space.?
February appeared and our coworking space opened with eight private offices, monthly memberships, and day passes. The private offices have especially been a big hit and are consistently booked, although one office is coming available soon for the first time in?many months -?so you should reach out if you need a great place to work with fast internet and free coffee.
In March we got the exciting news that, in partnership with Longwood, we received a major grant from GO Virginia to create a?robust entrepreneurship initiative.
Senator Kaine visited in April and we got to share some details about plans for the expansion of the SOVA Innovation Hub with a?second building next door.
In May, youth around Southern Virginia joined together virtually at the?Youth Entrepreneurship Kickoff?and got to meet 9+ impressive local entrepreneurs.
June rolled around and with it came a series of?interest meetings?held for Black and minority business owners in Farmville, South Boston, Brunswick, Patrick County, and virtually. These meetings continued past June and are informing the development of entrepreneurship training programs and support needs.
In July we hosted our first large in-person event, the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce?Business After Hours, at the SOVA Innovation Hub. It was fantastic to see the business community gathered at the SOVA Innovation Hub!
August kicked off the first virtual CO.STARTERS core program, a ten-week program to impart participants with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn their business ideas into action. Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort,?check it out!?
In partnership with Microsoft and gener8tor, gener8tor Upskilling -?a free training program to help Southern Virginia residents get critical skills for in-demand jobs - began in September. Applications for another round of this program are?being accepted!
The launch of?RISE Collaborative?took place in October and gave a face and a name to the grant-funded entrepreneurship activities we had been working on all year with our partners at Longwood. The SOVA Innovation Hub's monthly meetup for entrepreneurs was rebranded to?Rise & Shine?and continues to be an educational and inspiring time - you are welcome to join one (or all!) of the 2022 meetups.?
November gave us the opportunity to co-host the second Annual Virginia Ecosystem Builder and Community Organizer?Meetup?with the Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem.?
Things haven't slowed down in December and we have hosted two Christmas parties, sponsored the South Boston Christmas parade, had a?podcast?episode recorded in the coworking space, and spent hours planning 2022 programs and events.