Innovation & Entrepreneurship Archives - SOVA Innovation Hub

RISE and RAMP Launch RAMP Up Program to Help Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Innovators Reach the Marketplace

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:01:29 +0000

RISE and RAMP Launch Program to Help Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Innovators Reach the Marketplace

New RAMP Up accelerator program will help innovators turn ideas into products, businesses, and real-world solutions

SOUTH BOSTON, VA – July 9, 2026 – RISE (Regional Investment in Startups and Entrepreneurs) and RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program) today announced RAMP Up, a new commercialization accelerator program for agricultural, forestry, and rural innovators in Southern Virginia. The program is funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and VIPC (Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation), and combines RISE’s regional network, an initiative of the SOVA Innovation Hub, with RAMP’s decade of commercialization experience through the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA).

The program welcomes startups, existing businesses, researchers, and innovators working in agriculture, forestry, food systems, animal sciences, natural resources, advanced manufacturing, automation, sustainability, rural technology, and related industries.

Over eight weeks, participants will work with experienced entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts to validate customer needs, evaluate market opportunities, refine business models, and develop commercialization strategies. There is no cost to participate in RAMP Up.

Each team that successfully completes the program will be eligible for grants up to $10,000 to support commercialization activities such as product development, pilot projects, customer validation, or other approved business growth expenses. These are non-dilutive grants, meaning that the company does not give up any ownership in exchange for this funding.

Graduates will also be connected to additional entrepreneurship and accelerator opportunities through RAMP, RISE, and other regional partners based on their stage of growth.

Program sessions will be hosted on eight consecutive Mondays, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, September 21 through November 9, with seven in-person sessions at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia and one virtual session.

Applicants must be existing Virginia businesses or committed to establishing business operations in Virginia. To be eligible, businesses must be located in one of the following localities:

Cities: Covington, Danville, Emporia, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem
Counties: Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Craig, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Roanoke, and Sussex.

Businesses located within incorporated towns in these eligible counties are also welcome to apply.

This partnership will help more innovators move from concept to company while strengthening Southern Virginia’s innovation economy.

“Southern Virginia has a long history of innovation rooted in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and rural enterprise,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement for the SOVA Innovation Hub and Program Director for RISE. “Through this partnership with RAMP, we are creating new opportunities for innovators to connect with experts, test ideas, and explore pathways to bring new products and solutions to market. We want to help great ideas become businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities for our region.”

“Many innovations never reach the marketplace because innovators lack access to commercialization support,” said Chip Bobbert, Director of Innovation at the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, the entity that operates RAMP. “RAMP Up is designed to bridge that gap by helping innovators understand customers, markets, partnerships, and commercialization pathways before they enter a full accelerator program.”

RISE and RAMP thank the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, VIPC, and regional partners for their continued support of entrepreneurship and innovation across Southern Virginia.

Applications for the inaugural Fall 2026 cohort are open now with a deadline of September 3, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://sovarise.com/ramp-up

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Media Contacts

RAMP and RBIA: Ada Cuadrado-Medina, ada.cuadrado-medina@rbtc.tech
RISE and SOVA Innovation Hub: Liz Smith, liz.smith@sovainnovationhub.com

About RISE

RISE (Regional Investment in Startups and Entrepreneurs) is a regional entrepreneurship initiative serving Southern Virginia and Franklin County. Managed by the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with Longwood’s Small Business Development Center and regional ecosystem partners, RISE helps entrepreneurs connect with resources, training, mentors, and opportunities to start and grow businesses.

About RAMP

RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program), operated by the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA), helps entrepreneurs launch and grow innovative companies through mentorship, commercialization support, accelerator programming, and connections to customers, investors, and industry partners.

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How Southern Virginia Organizations Are Using AI to Solve Real Business Challenges

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:08:00 +0000

Nine organizations completed the inaugural gener8tor Skills AI for Leaders cohort, exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence to improve operations, strengthen workforce development, and solve everyday business challenges.

Artificial intelligence, or “AI”, often dominates headlines, but for organizations across Southern Virginia, the most important question is not what AI might do someday. It is what AI can do today.

This spring, leaders from nine Southern Virginia companies participated in the inaugural gener8tor Skills AI for Leaders cohort, a six-week program designed to help employers identify practical opportunities to apply artificial intelligence within their operations. Supported by Microsoft and the SOVA Innovation Hub, the virtual cohort brought together participants from Southern Virginia alongside peers from Wisconsin and Minnesota to explore real-world applications of AI across manufacturing, logistics, operations, workforce development, and business services.

On June 2, Southern Virginia participants gathered at the SOVA Innovation Hub for an in-person networking event, certificate presentation, and showcase of projects developed during the cohort. Participants shared lessons learned, discussed implementation strategies, and celebrated the completion of the program.

Participating Companies

Participating Southern Virginia organizations included AJ Transport, Beyond Freight LLC, Dedon & Gloster Furniture, Dollar General, Genesis Products, Huber Engineered Woods, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Morgan Lumber Co., and Reynolds Consumer Products (Presto Products Company). Four organizations presented AI use cases developed during the cohort, while all participants engaged in hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and exploration of practical AI applications within their operations.

The AI use case projects varied widely, but a common lesson emerged: Successful AI adoption is not about replacing people. It is about helping employees solve problems faster, make better decisions, preserve valuable knowledge, and work more effectively.

The goal of gener8tor Skills AI for Leaders is not simply to teach organizations about artificial intelligence. It is to help them identify practical opportunities to create value within their operations. What stood out about this cohort was the focus on solving real business challenges, from quality control and workforce training to logistics and knowledge management. These projects show that organizations do not need to start with large-scale transformation. They can begin with a specific challenge and build from there.

Danielle Remmick

Program Manager for gener8tor Skills

One of the most exciting outcomes of this cohort was seeing participants move beyond talking about AI and begin applying it to real business challenges. The projects presented were not theoretical. They focused on improving quality, preserving institutional knowledge, streamlining operations, and supporting employees in their day-to-day work. That is exactly the type of practical innovation we want to see happening across Southern Virginia.

Lauren Mathena

Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement for the SOVA Innovation Hub

AI Use Cases

Four participating organizations presented projects focused on quality control, workforce training, logistics, and knowledge management. Together, they demonstrated how organizations can begin using AI to address practical business challenges without large technology teams or significant technology investments.

Huber Engineered Woods: Predicting Quality Issues Before They Become Problems

The project presented by Huber Engineered Woods focused on a challenge familiar to many industrial operations: identifying quality issues before they lead to defects, waste, or production disruptions.

Using historical production data, the team developed a machine learning model designed to recognize patterns associated with successful and unsuccessful production outcomes. The project combines historical production data, supervised learning, and AI-assisted recommendations to help identify root causes of quality issues and flag when processes may be trending toward undesirable outcomes.

The team emphasized that data quality is just as important as model quality.

“Just because it’s data doesn’t mean it’s good data,” one presenter explained, noting the importance of filtering out downtime events, outages, and unusual operating conditions that could distort results.

The project also reinforced an important principle shared throughout the cohort. AI should support human expertise, not replace it. While the model provides recommendations and early warnings, operators remain responsible for evaluating the information and making final decisions.

For the organization, the biggest immediate benefit is speed. Analyses that once required days of manual effort can now be completed in near real time, allowing teams to respond faster and make more informed decisions.

The project has progressed beyond experimentation and is preparing for controlled production testing to evaluate prediction accuracy, operator adoption, and overall performance.

Reynolds Consumer Products: Modernizing Training and Capturing Operational Knowledge

The team from Reynolds Consumer Products’ South Boston facility explored how AI could help address one of the most time-consuming challenges in manufacturing: creating and maintaining training documentation.

Developing a single standard work document often requires dozens of hours spread over several weeks as trainers, supervisors, process specialists, and operators collaborate to document procedures. By the time documentation is complete, equipment changes or process improvements may already require revisions.

The result is often a gap between documented procedures and actual operations.

The team’s AI use case focused on accelerating the creation and maintenance of standard work documents while capturing valuable institutional knowledge held by experienced employees.

Their goal is to reduce documentation bottlenecks, improve onboarding, strengthen training consistency, and preserve expertise that might otherwise be lost through workforce transitions.

For many manufacturers facing retirements and workforce challenges, ensuring that critical knowledge remains accessible may prove just as valuable as improving operational efficiency.

Dedon & Gloster Furniture: Turning Five Freight Tools into One

Representatives from Dedon and Gloster, two outdoor furniture brands operating under one umbrella, tackled a challenge that affected both employees and customers: freight calculations.

As the organizations became more integrated, freight quotes continued to be generated through multiple tools, by numerous employees, across two brands. The result was inconsistent information, internal inefficiencies, and delays in responding to customer requests.

One example highlighted the challenge. A sales representative on the West Coast might be working to close a significant order after the East Coast freight team had already left for the day. Without access to reliable freight calculations, the sale would have to wait.

To address the issue, the team used ChatGPT as a collaborative design partner, consolidating freight maps, spreadsheets, and standard operating procedures into a single freight calculator.

“I used ChatGPT like a business partner,” one team member shared. “We went back and forth 39 times before we had a version that actually worked.”

The resulting tool standardizes freight logic across brands, simplifies the user experience, and provides faster, more consistent quotes regardless of time zone.

The project also underscored an important lesson about AI implementation.

“Garbage in, garbage out. You have to test it, validate it, and make sure what you’re getting out is accurate.”

The team plans to seek executive approval and begin implementation across customer service, sales, and warehouse operations.

Morgan Lumber: Preserving Knowledge Before It Walks Out the Door

For Morgan Lumber Group, a deck board manufacturer in Charlotte County, the challenge was knowledge management.

Critical operational knowledge existed in multiple places: vendor emails, maintenance records, manuals, blueprints, and the memories of employees with decades of experience.

“Every time we lose an employee, we lose a lot,” one presenter explained. “Once they retire, everything they know is gone.”

The company is developing a secure, internally hosted knowledge system that will allow employees to quickly search vendor communications, manuals, operating procedures, maintenance history, and troubleshooting records.

Instead of spending valuable time searching through binders, inboxes, and disconnected files, technicians would be able to ask simple questions such as, “Have we seen this fault before?” or “What fixed this issue last year?” and quickly locate relevant information.

One example demonstrated the potential impact. A recurring equipment fault that previously required 45 minutes of investigation could eventually surface related emails, manual pages, maintenance photos, and prior solutions in seconds.

The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with vendor communications and service records before expanding to manuals, blueprints, standard operating procedures, and institutional knowledge capture.

The team stressed that ease of use will determine success.

“Whatever we do, it has to be simple and easy to use. If they have to click through a bunch of screens and still can’t find what they need, they’ll stop using it.”

While the projects addressed different business challenges, several themes emerged throughout the cohort.

First, successful AI initiatives begin with clearly defined operational problems rather than technology itself.

Second, security and governance matter. Participants emphasized the importance of working within organizational policies and leveraging secure platforms that align with existing cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance requirements.

Third, AI is proving to be a powerful tool for preserving institutional knowledge. Across multiple projects, participants identified the loss of experienced employees and undocumented expertise as one of the most significant risks facing organizations today.

Finally, every team viewed AI as a tool that enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it. The most successful applications focused on helping employees work more efficiently, access information more quickly, and make better-informed decisions.

One participant reflected on the importance of continuing to learn and adapt:

“I hope I never get so old that I stop learning. I’m not the future of the company, but I have to map out a succession plan. I’m going to use AI to help me overcome some of my weaknesses and develop training plans, so when I do retire, that knowledge isn’t lost.”

While each organization entered the program with different goals and challenges, all demonstrated a commitment to exploring how emerging technologies can strengthen operations, support employees, and create value within their organizations. The cohort provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn from one another, share ideas across industries, and begin building a regional community of practice around artificial intelligence and innovation.

Building Southern Virginia’s AI Capacity

The first gener8tor Skills AI for Leaders cohort demonstrated that organizations do not need large technology budgets or dedicated data science teams to begin exploring AI.

The most promising opportunities often start with practical business challenges:

- Improving quality and reducing defects
- Preserving institutional knowledge
- Streamlining training and onboarding
- Simplifying complex operational decisions
- Improving customer service and responsiveness

Artificial intelligence presents tremendous opportunities for organizations of all sizes, but success starts with access, education, and hands-on experience. Through collaborations like this one with the SOVA Innovation Hub and gener8tor, we are helping employers explore practical applications of AI that can strengthen operations, support their workforce, and position them for future growth.

Jeremy Satterfield

TechSpark Virginia Manager, Microsoft

What stands out about these projects is that they began with real business needs. Whether improving operational efficiency, preserving decades of institutional knowledge, or helping employees access information more quickly, these organizations are demonstrating how AI can create meaningful value today. We are proud to support efforts that help build innovation capacity across Southern Virginia.

Kristin Vaughan

Senior Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft

What’s Next for AI Training in Southern Virginia?

The SOVA Innovation Hub will continue working with Microsoft, gener8tor, employers, educators, and other regional partners to build Southern Virginia’s capacity for practical, human-centered AI adoption.

Beginning in early fall 2026, the SOVA Innovation Hub will launch additional opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, educators, students, local governments, and community members to engage with artificial intelligence through the SOVA AI Connect Workshop Series and the AI Civic Innovation Challenge.

These initiatives will provide hands-on learning opportunities, practical use cases, collaborative problem-solving experiences, and pathways for organizations to explore how AI can be used responsibly to address business and community challenges.

To stay informed about future AI workshops, cohorts, innovation challenges, and other technology-focused opportunities, follow the SOVA Innovation Hub on social media, subscribe to the Hub newsletter, or visit sovainnovationhub.com/ai-programs >

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Tobacco Commission Investment Expands Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Southern Virginia

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:32:00 +0000

Update (July 2026): The accelerator program announced in this article has officially launched as RAMP Up, an 8-week accelerator for innovative Virginia entrepreneurs delivered through a partnership between RISE Collaborative and RAMP (Regional Accelerator & Mentoring Program). Learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and upcoming cohorts at https://sovarise.com/ramp-up >

In September 2025, Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) approved funding for a new entrepreneurship initiative led by the SOVA Innovation Hub through RISE Collaborative.

The initiative will help grow Southern Virginia’s economy by supporting entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, and regional partnerships. Its goal is simple: create more businesses, create more jobs, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Since receiving funding, the SOVA Innovation Hub and its partners have been building the initiative, developing new partnerships, and preparing to launch new programs and resources that will support entrepreneurs across the region.

Helping Entrepreneurs Grow

A key part of this initiative is the development of a new accelerator program, adding a new level of entrepreneurship support to Southern Virginia’s growing training portfolio.

An accelerator is an intensive program that helps entrepreneurs move their businesses forward in a short period of time. Participants work alongside mentors, industry experts, and other entrepreneurs to solve challenges, test ideas, and prepare for growth.

The program will focus on commercialization, which means turning an idea, innovation, research, or new product into something customers will buy. Participants will learn how to validate their market, refine their business model, build partnerships, and develop a plan for growth.

The accelerator will serve startups, existing businesses launching new products or services, and other innovative companies with strong growth potential. Participants will receive business education, mentoring, technical assistance, and connections to regional resources. Participants who complete the program and meet eligibility requirements will also qualify for non-dilutive grant funding of up to $10,000 per company.

Supporting Local Business Service Providers

Startups and growth-oriented businesses need trusted partners. Through this initiative, RISE will build a network of volunteer mentors and Preferred Service Providers to support participating companies. This creates opportunities for local professionals while helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Service providers may include attorneys, accountants, engineers, manufacturers, marketers, banks, software developers, and other business experts.

Growing the RISE Summit

Funding also supports the continued growth of the RISE Summit, Southern Virginia’s annual entrepreneurship and innovation conference. The Summit brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, investors, educators, students, and resource partners to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Learn More & Get Your Ticket to the RISE Summit

Investing in Regional Collaboration

This initiative reflects RISE Collaborative’s commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with the people, programs, and resources they need to succeed. Through collaboration among the SOVA Innovation Hub, economic development organizations, educational institutions, industry partners, investors, and business support organizations, Southern Virginia is building a stronger innovation ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship, supports scalable businesses, and creates high-quality jobs.

This initiative complements other recent investments by TRRC and GO Virginia in Southern Virginia’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. In January 2025, the SEED Innovation Hub opened in Farmville, expanding access to entrepreneurial resources and innovation programming in the northern portion of the RISE region. In Fall 2026, the SOVA Fab Lab will open at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, providing entrepreneurs, manufacturers, students, and innovators with access to prototyping equipment, digital fabrication technologies, and maker education.

Together, these investments create a stronger regional network of innovation spaces, entrepreneurship programs, and business support resources that help entrepreneurs move from idea to startup to growth.

Looking Ahead

This investment is about more than one program.

It helps build a stronger network of entrepreneurs, mentors, business service providers, and regional partners. Together, they will create more opportunities for innovation, business creation, and job growth across Southern Virginia.

More details about the accelerator program and other opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

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5 Years of the SOVA Innovation Hub

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:55:00 +0000

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.

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SOVA Innovation Hub Begins Renovation to Expand Downtown South Boston Campus

SOVA Innovation Hub — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:31:23 +0000

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/.

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Introducing SOVA AI Connect

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:30:00 +0000

Building Southern Virginia’s Future Through Community-Driven AI Innovation

The SOVA Innovation Hub is proud to announce that it has been awarded an OpenAI Foundation People-First AI Grant. The SOVA Innovation Hub was one of 208 nonprofits nationwide, and one of only four in Virginia, chosen from more than 3,000 applicants. This award underscores both the strength of Southern Virginia’s innovation-driven vision and the meaningful work already underway to advance that vision.

With this support, the SOVA Innovation Hub will launch SOVA AI Connect in 2026. This new community-based initiative will be designed by and for Southern Virginians anchored at the SOVA Innovation Hub. SOVA AI Connect aligns with the mission of the SOVA innovation Hub to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia.

SOVA AI Connect will help people build AI literacy, confidence, and practical skills through hands-on workshops and demonstrations, civic innovation challenges, and workforce training. The initiative will help people apply AI responsibly and creatively to strengthen local industries, improve services, and solve community challenges. This project will deepen the SOVA Innovation Hub’s ability to support community innovation and workforce development.

The SOVA Innovation Hub was created in a partnership between Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) and Microsoft TechSpark to inspire people to pursue entrepreneurship and develop digital skills. Through coworking, hands-on training, signature programs like RISE, EXCITE, and EVOLVE, and regional community outreach, the SOVA Innovation Hub brings together entrepreneurs, educators, students, and non-profit leaders to learn, collaborate, and grow.

MBC has spent over two decades expanding broadband infrastructure and economic opportunity across Southern Virginia. Through the SOVA Innovation Hub, MBC supports programs that build digital skills, support entrepreneurship, and ensure that rural communities have access to the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy.

“MBC invests in the SOVA Innovation Hub because we believe every community in Southern Virginia deserves the chance to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Tad Deriso, President & CEO, Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. “This recognition from the OpenAI Foundation affirms the impact of that work and the potential of the people who call this region home. SOVA AI Connect will help residents build trust, skills, and confidence with AI—ensuring that emerging technology benefits our farms, schools, small businesses, and nonprofits in practical, meaningful ways.”

We look forward to launching SOVA AI Connect in partnership with the OpenAI Foundation and continuing to expand innovation capacity across Southern Virginia.

To receive updates and announcements about SOVA AI Connect, please join the SOVA Innovation Hub newsletter and follow the SOVA Innovation Hub on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Two Opportunities for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia

SOVA Innovation Hub — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:17:30 +0000

This fall brings two exciting opportunities for farmers, food producers, and agriculture entrepreneurs across Southern Virginia to grow their businesses and explore innovation — without leaving the region!

Whether you’re a producer looking to expand into value-added products or an educator helping connect entrepreneurs to resources, here’s what’s coming up:

Earn an AgTech Certification from North Carolina A&T — Offered in Halifax County

You don’t have to leave the region to gain world-class agricultural business training. The AgTech Education Program, delivered by North Carolina A&T State University, will be hosted at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston.

This six-month program is designed to equip participants with the tools to thrive in today’s agriculture and AgTech industries, covering everything from marketing and finance to the latest advances in agricultural innovation.

Who Should Apply:

Individuals interested in launching a career in agriculture or AgTech
Current business owners who want to expand their knowledge through instruction from professors and industry leaders

Program Details:

📅 Start date: Wednesday, October 15 (sessions held twice a month for six months)

📍 Location: SOVA Innovation Hub – 715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Bonus: Graduates of the program may also qualify for the 434 Small Business Loan from Halifax County Community Federal Credit Union — an excellent resource to help bring your new ideas to life.

Register today: AgTech Certification Registration Form >

For more information, contact Program Administrator Austin Wright, President of Wright Industries, at CEO@adjwright.com

RISE Summit 2025: Where Rural Entrepreneurs Thrive

The RISE Summit is Southern Virginia’s annual gathering for entrepreneurs and small business owners across every industry — including agriculture, food production, and agritourism.

This year’s Summit features general business sessions plus two can’t-miss workshops for ag and food entrepreneurs:

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Learn from Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. He will provide insights on growing opportunities in indoor and hydroponic systems. Discover how technology is reshaping the way we grow food – and how you can benefit from this trend.
Cottage Food Industry Survival Guide: Learn from Delilah White, Owner of Ry’s Pies & Cobblers. She will cover how to legally create and sell homemade food products in Virginia — a perfect path for growers and home-based food makers ready to turn their recipes into revenue.

The 2025 RISE Summit includes a total of 16 breakout sessions to choose from, along with an inspirational keynote speaker and networking opportunities throughout the event.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

📍 Location: Institute for Advanced Learning & Research – 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST (doors open at 8:00 AM)

Learn more and register at sovarise.com/summit >

For more information, contact hello@sovarise.com

Help Spread the Word

We invite extension agents, farmers market managers, agriculture educators, and community partners to share these opportunities with your networks. Together, we can equip local entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and connections they need to succeed in a rapidly changing ag economy.

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PRESS RELEASE: New Toastmasters Meeting Location Forming at the SOVA Innovation Hub

SOVA Innovation Hub — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:32:51 +0000

New Toastmasters Meeting Location Forming at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Thursday, August 1, 2025 – South Boston, VA – A new Toastmasters meeting location is forming at the SOVA Innovation Hub to help local professionals and community members strengthen their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. As the only active Toastmasters club in the area, the Danville Toastmasters Club is teaming up with the SOVA Innovation Hub to expand access and extend the reach of the Toastmasters International program. The new meeting location will serve the Southern Virginia region, meeting twice a month at the SOVA Innovation Hub, located at 715 Wilborn Avenue in downtown South Boston.

The new meeting location is supported by Toastmasters International’s Area 11 leadership and is part of an effort to expand access to professional development opportunities in the Southern Virginia region. It is open to adults aged 18 and older of all backgrounds and experience levels who are interested in building confidence and improving their communication skills in a welcoming, supportive environment.

“Toastmasters is a great organization for helping people develop public speaking skills and is excellent overall for personal development and networking,” said Keith Washo, SOVA Innovation Hub coworking member and volunteer leader for the SOVA Innovation Hub Toastmasters meeting location. “I’m excited to team up with the other leaders to be a founding member of the Toastmasters meeting location in South Boston, VA.”

“Toastmasters has provided me with a safe place to practice presenting and leadership skills. The increase in my self-confidence, listening retention, and feedback skills has impacted my life in ways I never imagined,” said Venus Wilmer, Toastmasters International member, District 66, Area 11 Director, and Secretary for Danville Toastmasters club. “I look forward to working with the SOVA Innovation Hub team and Danville club leaders to start this new meeting location and support the community members in South Boston and Halifax County.”

The club is currently welcoming new members and hosting interest meetings to introduce the Toastmasters program to the community. Two kickoff meetings will be held at the SOVA Innovation Hub on Thursday, September 11, 12pm to 1pm and Thursday, September 25, 12pm to 1pm.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced Toastmasters members, learn more about how Toastmasters works, and get involved in shaping the club’s future.

“We’re excited to host this new Toastmasters meeting location at the SOVA Innovation Hub as part of our mission to support personal and professional growth in our region. Toastmasters offers a proven framework for building essential leadership and communication skills that benefit entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders alike. It’s a perfect fit for our coworking community and the broader ecosystem we serve,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, SOVA Innovation Hub & Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation.

To learn more or to register to attend a kickoff meeting in September at the SOVA Innovation Hub, visit sovainnovationhub.com/toastmasters-kickoff.

About SOVA Innovation Hub

The SOVA Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization working to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia by advancing digital skills and entrepreneurship. Located in South Boston, VA, it provides coworking, training, and collaborative space, and serves as a lead partner for RISE Collaborative. Learn more at sovainnovationhub.com.

About Toastmasters

Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organization that helps people become more effective communicators and leaders. With over 16,000 clubs worldwide, Toastmasters empowers millions to speak confidently and lead with purpose. By joining, you can improve your public speaking skills, build confidence in communication, gain leadership experience, and connect with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members. Learn more at toastmasters.org.

Media Contacts:

Liz Smith | SOVA Innovation Hub | hello@sovainnovationhub.com

Venus Wilmer | Toastmasters Area 11 Director | venuswilmer@gmail.com

Keith Washo | Toastmasters Member | keithwasho@gmail.com

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Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: SOVA Innovation Hub and RISE Collaborative Partner with SVHEC Career Tech Academy

SOVA Innovation Hub — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:36:32 +0000

The mission of the SOVA Innovation Hub and RISE Collaborative is to drive innovation and economic development in Southern Virginia. We’re excited to announce a new partnership with the Career Tech Academy (CTA) at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) that will introduce a work-based learning track focused on entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders right here in our community.

A New Avenue for Aspiring Business Leaders

The collaboration with SVHEC CTA will provide students with the tools and experiences they need to understand the particulars of starting and running a business. Through this entrepreneurial track, students will receive comprehensive instruction on business fundamentals and will be paired with local small business owners for hands-on learning experiences. This unique blend of classroom and real-world education is designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset characterized by adaptation, flexibility, and resiliency.

The Benefits of the Entrepreneurial Track

Students enrolled in this new track will:

Learn Business Foundations
Acquire essential knowledge in business planning, marketing, finance, and operations.

Engage with Local Entrepreneurs
Participate in a mentorship program with seasoned small business owners who provide practical insights and guidance.

Develop Key Skills
Cultivate important skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and citizenship.

CTA’s Comprehensive Training Programs

The Career Tech Academy is a year-long, hands-on training program for high school juniors and seniors from Charlotte, Halifax, and Mecklenburg Counties. CTA offers specialized training in high-demand fields such as Automation & Robotics, Energy Systems Technology, Information Technology (IT), HVAC, and Welding (currently welding and HVAC are only available to Halifax County students). After year one, students can come back for Work-Based Learning where they expand on the skill set they learned during year one. This year though entrepreneurship is being offered as a new track within Work-Based Learning beginning Fall 2024.

A Flexible One or Two-Year Program

Students begin in the 11th grade with foundational training in their chosen field during their junior year and have the option to return as high school seniors for advanced training or to explore a new field. This flexibility ensures that students can pursue their evolving interests and career goals.

For the first year of the Entrepreneurship track, 12th grade students are eligible to enroll in the program for one academic year, which will begin Fall 2024 and continue through Spring 2025.

Academic and Professional Advancement

By participating in CTA, students can earn:

– High school and community college credits

– A Career Studies Certificate from Danville or Southside Virginia Community Colleges

– Industry-recognized certifications

The CTA curriculum aligns with the Virginia Department of Education’s Profile of a Virginia Graduate, focusing on the development of the 5 C’s: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a year two CTA program only available to high school seniors.. Through this program students get placed in internships directly related to another CTE program that they have taken either through CTA or through their local high school. This year we are expanding WBL to also include a track focused on entrepreneurship. This track will expose students to all factors of creating a business as well as earn them hands-on experience by working with local businesses/entrepreneurs in our community.

Meet The Team

Rosa Dunn
Career Tech Academy Director
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

BriAna Jeffress
Career Tech Academy Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

Coming Soon
Career Tech Academy Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

The Career Tech Academy team includes Rosa Dunn, CTA Director and BriAna Jeffress, Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator, and a newly created position, the Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator, to be announced soon.

Students & Parents: For questions, please contact CTA Director: rosadunn@svhec.org .

Businesses: Are you interested in being a Mentor or Business Partner for the Career Tech Academy students? Compete the interest form.

Building a Stronger Future Together

By equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and real-world experiences, we are helping to build a strong and adaptable workforce that will benefit our entire community.

“We at the SOVA Innovation Hub are committed to supporting innovative educational programs that prepare students for success by contributing to the talent needs of local businesses today, and gaining skills they can apply in the

dynamic job market of the future. Learning the entrepreneurship mindset and innovation skills will help students practice teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Our partnership with the Career Tech Academy reflects our dedication to fostering local talent and driving economic growth in Southern Virginia,” said Mallory Lawter, Community Manager at the SOVA Innovation Hub.

The SOVA Innovation Hub and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center are two organizations leading innovation in student career and technical education, through their support of student entrepreneurship.

“We invite students, parents, and community members to explore the opportunities available through the Career Tech Academy’s entrepreneurial track. Together, we can empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and contribute to a vibrant, innovative Southern Virginia,” said Rosa Dunn, Director of the Career Tech Academy at SVHEC.

For more information about the Career Tech Academy’s entrepreneurial track please visit svhec.org/cta/or contact Rosa Dunn.

Let’s work together to explore opportunities and empower the future of our community.

About Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) is a dynamic educational hub dedicated to transforming lives and communities through accessible, innovative learning opportunities. Located in South Boston, Virginia, SVHEC offers a range of programs and partnerships with leading colleges and universities to provide high-quality education and workforce training. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills, SVHEC equips students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. From advanced technology and healthcare to business and skilled trades, SVHEC is committed to empowering individuals and driving economic development in Southern Virginia. Explore more at svhec.org.

About SOVA Innovation Hub

The SOVA Innovation is a non-profit organization created to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia. We bring together business and education partners to offer innovation programs that inspire people to pursue digital careers and entrepreneurship.

Our state-of-the-art building in South Boston, VA includes a coworking space, a training space, and the Microsoft Experience Center. To learn more visit sovainnovationhub.com.

About RISE Collaborative

RISE Collaborative is a regional initiative to create a network of entrepreneurs and business service providers across Southern Virginia (GO Virginia Region 3). The initiative is co-managed by two primary entities: Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development (Farmville, Va.), which includes the Longwood Small Business Development Center (serving the region) and SOVA Innovation Hub (South Boston, Va.). RISE Collaborative provides guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners through a number of ongoing programs every year, including a virtual business bootcamp, the RISE Navigator program, the regional Business Pitch Competition, and more. For more information, visit sovarise.com.

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Upcoming opportunities: gener8tor Skills, RISE Business Bootcamp, and ChangeX

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 23:10:47 +0000

Upcoming Programs and Opportunities

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

RISE Business Bootcamp powered by CO.STARTERS

Start, grow, or scaleup your business in Southern Virginia with a community of peers and mentors. For any entrepreneur in Southern Virginia (Halifax County and the 14 localities surrounding it). Apply by December 8th, 2023.

Apply by Dec 8th

ChangeX Southern Virginia Community Challenge

Use your own project idea, or one of 12 projects from the ChangeX list of options, like starting a LEGO robotics team or a pollinator garden. For people in Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, or Charlotte County, Virginia.

Apply Now

gener8tor Skills Accelerator

Get skills and coaching to advance your career in Project Management. For anyone in Southern Virginia who wants to learn in-demand skills to apply in local companies or as a remote worker. Apply by January 14th.

Apply by Jan 14th

View our monthly flyer

Download PDF Flyer

Contact us for more information

MALLORY LAWTER

SOVA Innovation Hub Community Manager

(434) 570-1305 | hello@sovainnovationhub.com

COWORKING SPACE HOURS

Open Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Closed for Holidays & Weekends

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