Celebrating 5 Years of Community & Coworking

On February 1, 2021, the SOVA Innovation Hub officially opened its doors at 715 Wilborn Avenue. In February 2026, we are celebrating five years of community, connection, and the people who have made this space feel like more than just a place to work.

The SOVA Innovation Hub was created to be a place to learn, work, and grow. Over time, it has become a place where people build businesses, try new ideas, host meetings, learn skills, and form real relationships. It is where work feels less isolating and community feels natural.

Located in downtown South Boston, Virginia, the Hub is a 15,000 square foot facility in Halifax County built on the site of the former Planters Warehouse, which burned down in 2002. What was once an empty space is now part of downtown revitalization and community innovation. Alongside partners like the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, The Prizery, and ProductWorks@SVHEC, the SOVA Innovation Hub helps make downtown South Boston a rural technology hub focused on learning, creativity, and opportunity.

The idea for the Hub began with a feasibility study in 2018, followed by groundbreaking in 2019. Construction wrapped up in late 2020, and in early 2021, the doors officially opened. The Hub was established through a partnership between Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation and Microsoft, with support from GO Virginia and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, all with the shared goal of creating new opportunities for people in Southern Virginia.

Our mission is to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia by inspiring people to pursue entrepreneurship and digital skills. In real life, that mission shows up in conversations in the coworking space, introductions made between members, meetings that turn into partnerships, gatherings that inspire action, and people realizing they do not have to build businesses or careers alone.

That sense of community is what keeps people coming back. As coworking member and founder of CAREfully Anchored, Tiffany Ferrell, shared in a recent interview with WDBJ7,“Being in this rural area, I live way out in the county, so I don’t have access to high-speed internet. So that was what brought me here. But what kept me here was the people and how much of a community we built just in this space. We’re a community, and then we go out into the community together. So, I love that togetherness.” 

Since opening, more than 3,000 people have walked through the doors of the SOVA Innovation Hub. Our first Community Manager, Rebecca Stimson, coordinated the building opening and established a community even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when connection mattered more than ever. When Rebecca transitioned to an occupational safety role with Presto, the SOVA Innovation Hub searched for its new Community Manager. In June 2022, Mallory Lawter stepped into the role and continues to focus on making the Hub a welcoming, relationship-centered space.

“We are truly building a community here for business owners, remote workers, innovators, and doers,” Mallory shares. “I love getting to know our coworkers, hearing about their work, and learning about their lives. Even when people relocate, change jobs, or retire, many of those relationships last. I have met some of the best people through the Hub, and I would not have had those connections without this space.”

Today, the SOVA Innovation Hub is a coworking space with daily passes and monthly memberships. It is also a meeting and training space used for everything from business meetings and workshops to baby showers, holiday ornament exchanges, and garden club gatherings. The Spark meeting room is often used for small off-site meetings and team conversations. Above all, it is a space that belongs to the community and grows with the people who use it.

To celebrate five years as a coworking community, we would truly love to see you at one of our anniversary events this month.

On Tuesday, February 24, join us for Pancakes and Productivity. Help us celebrate with pancakes and a free daily coworking pass. Short-stacked mini pancakes will be available for purchase from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with free coworking beginning at 8:30 AM. You can also enter to win a free month of coworking. This event is open to the public and is a great way to get a feel for the space.

On Wednesday, February 25, stop by for our 5-Year Anniversary Open House from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy a free day of coworking beginning at 8:30 AM, take a tour of the Hub, preview renderings of our new building, connect with members and staff, and enjoy giveaways throughout the day.

Whether you stay for a few minutes, an hour, or the whole day, we would genuinely love to welcome you. If you have ever been curious about coworking, wondered what happens inside the SOVA Innovation Hub, or simply want to help us celebrate five years, this is the perfect time to stop by.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. We cannot wait to celebrate with you and continue building what comes next, together.

SOVA Innovation Hub Begins Renovation to Expand Downtown South Boston Campus

The Hub @ 801 will feature a Fab Lab, podcast studio, coworking spaces, and flexible meeting space

SOUTH BOSTON, VA — January 20, 2026 — The SOVA Innovation Hub announced today that renovation work is underway on The Hub @ 801, a major expansion of its downtown South Boston campus. The project extends the organization’s footprint beyond its flagship building at 715 Wilborn Avenue and includes a full renovation of the adjacent 12,000 square foot property at 801 Wilborn Avenue, formerly home to the South Boston Fire Company Support Center.

The Hub @ 801 will expand the SOVA Innovation Hub’s capacity to serve entrepreneurs, students, businesses, and community members across Southern Virginia. The renovated facility will feature flexible coworking areas, private offices, and two large meeting rooms that can be combined into an event space accommodating up to 148 people. Additional amenities will include a podcast studio to support content creation and storytelling, as well as the SOVA Fab Lab (short for Fabrication Laboratory), a regional makerspace and digital fabrication facility.

The SOVA Fab Lab is being developed in partnership with the Fab Foundation, a Boston-based nonprofit that supports Fab Labs worldwide. As part of a global network of more than 3,000 Fab Labs, the SOVA Fab Lab will connect Southern Virginia to an international community of technologists, makers, educators, and innovators through virtual training and information sharing. The facility will offer advanced digital fabrication tools—including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining—to support workforce development, entrepreneurship, and applied learning. A dedicated Fab Lab Manager will be hired in Spring 2026 to lead the launch and ongoing growth of the makerspace.

“This expansion represents the next chapter in our work to contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem for Southern Virginia,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement for MBC and the SOVA Innovation Hub. “The resources that will be available at The Hub @ 801 will empower people of all ages and experience levels to imagine, design, and build innovative products and solutions.”

The renovation project is partially funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Mid‑Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), with construction financing from Benchmark Community Bank. Funding for Fab Lab equipment and startup operations is provided by grants from Microsoft and GO Virginia Region 3. GO Virginia is a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries.

Renovation work will be completed by J.E. Burton Construction, with architectural design and construction administration led by the Richmond‑based firm PSH+.

Additional information and project updates are available at www.sovainnovationhub.com/.

The SOVA Innovation Hub offers a dynamic and flexible alternative to the traditional office or your home office. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or remote professional, it is more than just a space to work—it’s a place to connect, create, and thrive. Here’s why professionals love being part of this vibrant community.

A Vibrant Community 

One of the biggest draws of SOVA Innovation Hub is the sense of community. Unlike working from home or a coffee shop, SOVA Innovation Hub surrounds you with like-minded individuals who share a passion for their work. The environment fosters networking opportunities, collaboration, and even friendships, making work feel more engaging and enjoyable.

Increased Productivity

Working from home can come with distractions. SOVA Innovation Hub strikes the perfect balance, offering a professional yet comfortable atmosphere designed to enhance focus and efficiency. Our space provides phone booths and meeting rooms, catering to different work styles and needs.

Flexibility and Affordability

Forget long-term leases and expensive office setups. SOVA Innovation Hub offers flexible membership options, whether you need a workspace for a day, a month, or something in between. It’s the perfect solution for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small teams seeking an affordable yet professional place to work.

Access to Amenities and Resources

From high-speed internet to meeting spaces, SOVA Innovation Hub is designed to provide everything you need for a productive workday. We also offer additional perks such as business support services, and networking events, adding value beyond just a desk and chair.

Collaboration and Networking Opportunities

SOVA Innovation Hub naturally encourages interaction, making it easy to meet potential clients, partners, or mentors. Whether through casual conversations or organized networking events, our hub fosters collaboration and opens doors to new professional opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

When you work remotely, the lines between work and personal life can blur. SOVA Innovation Hub helps create a structured routine, allowing you to separate work from home life while maintaining flexibility.

Inspiring and Modern Workspaces

Say goodbye to dull office cubicles! SOVA is designed for creativity and productivity, with open layouts and plenty of natural light. It’s a workspace that keeps you motivated, energized, and excited to tackle your day.

A Strong Regional Network

As part of a growing innovation ecosystem, SOVA connects members with business leaders, investors, and professionals across Southern Virginia and beyond. Through RISE Collaborative, you’ll have access to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources to help your business grow. Plus, with two RISE Navigators located in-house, you have direct support to guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. It’s an incredible asset for startups and entrepreneurs looking to expand their network and make meaningful connections.

Supportive Environment for Growth

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, SOVA offers a supportive environment where you can learn, share ideas, and evolve. We provide workshops, mentorship programs, and business support services to help members succeed.

SOVA Innovation Hub offers more than just a place to work; it provides a thriving ecosystem of collaboration, productivity, and inspiration. If you’re looking for an alternative to working from home or a traditional office, SOVA Innovation Hub might just be the perfect solution for you. Try it out and experience the benefits firsthand!

To schedule a tour visit here or contact us at hello@sovainnovationhub.com or (434) 570-1305.

We hosted a series of holiday gatherings at the SOVA Innovation Hub that brought joy and togetherness to our community. Here’s a look back at how we celebrated the season:

From ornament exchanges to brunches, this December at the SOVA Innovation Hub was filled with joy, creativity, and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special season!

If you are interested in joining the coworking community at the SOVA Innovation Hub visit www.sovainnovationhub.com or email Mallory at  hello@sovainnovationhub.com. 

Are you tired of working from home and missing out on the energy and motivation that comes from being part of a vibrant community? The SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia, offers more than just a desk—it’s a dynamic workspace designed to elevate your productivity and connect you with like-minded professionals. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or entrepreneur, our co-working space provides the perfect mix of flexibility, community, and resources to help you thrive.

Modern and Comfortable Facilities

At the SOVA Innovation Hub, we’ve created a workspace that goes beyond just providing a place to work. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to ensure you have everything you need for a productive and enjoyable workday. Our amenities include:

These modern amenities make the SOVA Innovation Hub the ideal choice for anyone seeking a flexible workspace in a professional environment.

Join a Thriving Professional Community

One of the greatest advantages of co-working at the SOVA Innovation Hub is the opportunity to become part of a supportive and inspiring community. You’ll be surrounded by motivated professionals from various industries, fostering a positive and energetic atmosphere. We regularly host events, workshops, and social gatherings, providing ample opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate. 

Coworking spaces expose you to chance and opportunity, making every interaction a potential stepping stone toward new ideas and ventures”​ (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Convenient Location in Charming South Boston, VA

Located in the heart of South Boston, Virginia, the SOVA Innovation Hub offers a serene and convenient work environment. With ample free parking, nearby restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to work. Plus, our friendly support staff is always available to ensure your workday runs smoothly.

Ready to Elevate Your Work Experience?

If you’re looking for more than just a place to work, the SOVA Innovation Hub is the perfect spot for you. With modern amenities, flexible plans, and a vibrant community, we’re here to support your growth and success. Don’t just take our word for it—come see for yourself!

Book a tour today and discover how the SOVA Innovation Hub can help you thrive in your professional journey. We’re excited to welcome you to our community!

Are you ready to soar to new heights in 2024? There are lots of upcoming opportunities at the SOVA Innovation Hub!