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. 

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.

The Benefits of the Entrepreneurial Track

Students enrolled in this new track will:

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.

As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week celebration at the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with RISE Collaborative (Southern Virginia’s regional entrepreneurship initiative), Ryan Garrett came to share his entrepreneurial experience. Here are four lessons in entrepreneurship that Ryan shared that could benefit you and your business!

*The information presented below should not be considered financial advice.

Who is Ryan Garrett?

Expanding on author Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” concept, Ryan suggested, “Take yourself out of your vocation, before you can ask yourself, what is it that gets you out of bed in the morning? Even when you don’t want to? Especially when you don’t want to?”

Ryan emphasized that understanding yourself is essential to being successful long-term as an entrepreneur. He said, “There is something about you, that you just can’t help. Once you understand what that is, you’ll find your why.” 

Ryan shared his journey towards understanding his personal why, which is “because I love solving really complex puzzles.” This motivation explains why he loves his roles as a financial advisor, general partner, co-founder, and community leadership – and why he challenges himself to solve the New York Times Crossword mentally, before beginning to write in any answers. 

Want to explore your why? Watch author Simon Sinek’s TED Talk

Referencing the 11/11 Veteran Project, which is a for-profit entity to serve veterans who are at risk for suicide, Ryan described the journey of finding partners as being connected to knowing the why for your business. He said, “Our original mission was ‘to stop veteran suicide’ – that would be really tough. We learned that our mission is actually to help veterans live happy and healthy lives, therefore reducing the risk of suicide.” This realization has made it easier to find potential partners, such as Shawn Barksdale, owner of Press 4 Time Tees and host of the podcast Ten Minutes of Truth, and graphic novelist Aniekanabasi White, owner of Sensiil Studios.

Although seeking partners who serve the same customers may sound counter-intuitive to some who are concerned about competition and scarcity of customers, Ryan reminded the group, “Strategy is not about being better. Strategy is about being different. You need to understand how your business is different, and to whom.” 

“There’s nothing more important than knowing your why, understanding how your customer thinks, and finding people who can help you solve a business problem.” 

• IDEA: Find another small business in your community who could co-host an event with you.

“The only way to get what you want, is to help other people get what they want. When you’re solving business problems for others, you are creating sustainability for your business by creating value for customers and partners. This is why the 11/11 Project is a for-profit, to be focused on adding value. We didn’t want to be reliant on contributions or philanthropy.”

“Find someone who’s at a level where you want to be, or a level where you think you want to be, and let them know what, and ask them for their time,” said Ryan. “You need to seek out your mentors.” 

Photos from the event

SOUTH BOSTON, VA – October 26, 2023 – Southern Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – the synergistic combination of people, organizations, and culture that interacts and cultivates business creation and growth – is poised for extraordinary growth, thanks to a $600,000 grant recently awarded to the SOVA Innovation Hub to strengthen the collective regional entrepreneurship initiative known as RISE Collaborative. This substantial investment is set to fortify Southern Virginia’s standing as a central hub for fostering small business growth, innovation, and economic development.

The grant was awarded by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that works to strengthen and diversify Virginia’s economy and foster the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries. The funding will support RISE Collaborative, a dynamic initiative dedicated to providing essential support for entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia. Through RISE Collaborative programs, events, and network, entrepreneurs gain a supportive community of peers, direct access to business resource providers, dynamic training and skill-building content, and value-added networking opportunities.

“The RISE Collaborative, the SOVA Innovation Hub, and other key stakeholders who have joined this project will assuredly elevate and advance entrepreneurship and business growth region-wide,” said Tim Clark, Chair, GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “I join my Region 3 Council colleagues to say we applaud your past successes, and we look forward to the SOVA RISE Collaborative becoming a best-in-class for Virginia and the nation.”

Winter 2024 RISE Business Bootcamp

The first program to launch under this grant will be the Winter 2024 RISE Business Bootcamp powered by CO.STARTERS. Participants will immerse themselves in their business concepts, business strategies, financials, marketing blueprints, and other elements, with the goal of positioning their businesses for either a successful launch or expansion. This 10-week virtual live bootcamp is open to all types of business that are capable of growing and creating jobs and investment in Southern Virginia. More information about the program and program application is available online at sovarise.com/business-bootcamp. Applications for the program are due Friday, December 8, 2023. The program will meet on Zoom on Tuesday evenings beginning January 9, 2024 and will conclude in March 2024. If you need assistance completing the application, please email hello@sovainnovationhub.com or call (434) 570-1305.

Project Partners

In addition to the SOVA Innovation Hub, the collaborative effort includes key partners such as the Longwood Small Business Development Center, Hampden-Sydney College, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Patrick & Henry Community College, Microsoft TechSpark, and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC).  Together, they will work hand in hand to break down barriers for historically marginalized populations and rural communities to successfully start, grow, and scale businesses, promoting equity and inclusivity as core principles.

SOVA Innovation Hub / Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC)

“This funding underscores a resolute commitment to catalyzing innovation in Southern Virginia, fortifying its economic future, and empowering the local workforce with critical skills and resources”, said Tad Deriso, President & CEO of MBC and Chair of the SOVA Innovation Hub. “With this grant, the SOVA Innovation Hub and its partners are primed to expand their reach, nurture talent, and continue to grow a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.”

“Just as MBC provides middle mile fiber infrastructure to Southern Virginia, the RISE Collaborative initiative provides infrastructure for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Just like the internet, the ecosystem works best when it is connected,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement at MBC, who serves as the RISE Collaborative Project Manager for the SOVA Innovation Hub. “If you are a business owner who is ready to grow, if you are an innovator with a startup concept, or if you are an experienced entrepreneur willing to be a mentor, we invite you join RISE Collaborative at an upcoming event. We are especially excited about our upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Week events in November and the launch of the next RISE Business Bootcamp, which is accepting applications through December 8th and will kick off in January 2024.”

Longwood University / Longwood SBDC

“Longwood University is committed to supporting the economic health of our region,” said Sheri McGuire, Associate VP for Community and Economic Development and Executive Director of Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “As a long standing economic development partner on the local and regional level, our Small Business Development Center network is excited to continue our work with RISE collaborative as a training and consulting resource for entrepreneurs.” 

Hampden-Sydney College

“Hampden-Sydney College is committed to invigorating the entrepreneurial spirit within our rural communities. We wholeheartedly believe that by co-sponsoring the GO Virginia RISE Collaborative grant, we can nurture the next generation of rural founders,” said Dr. Andrew King, Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College. “Our goal is to both educate and empower them to transform our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. This partnership signifies our steadfast dedication to making a meaningful difference in our growing community.”

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

“We are grateful for this opportunity to expand our role with the RISE Collaborative,” said Dr. Betty Adams, Executive Director, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). “Adding an entrepreneurship track to the CTA Work-Based Learning Program will increase the critical knowledge, skills, and opportunities that students need to gain employment or create their own small businesses. This benefits local communities and further enriches our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Patrick & Henry Community College

“Expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem is absolutely essential for improving a community’s economic growth and overall vibrancy,” said Dr. Greg Hodges, President of Patrick & Henry Community College. “Patrick & Henry Community College is honored to be part of the RISE Collaborative and will use these resources to hire a Business Navigator in order to expand our entrepreneurial outreach and provide even greater opportunities for our critical small business owners.”

Microsoft TechSpark

“Microsoft’s partnership with the SOVA Innovation Hub brings inclusive tech opportunities to entrepreneurs and communities in rural southern Virginia,” said Jeremy Satterfield, Microsoft TechSpark Manager, Virginia. “This additional funding helps nurture local businesses and foster greater economic opportunity across the region.”

RISE Collaborative serves current and future entrepreneurs and innovators who live or own a business in GO Virginia Region 3. GO Virginia Region 3 includes the Counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, and the Cities of Danville and Martinsville. To find entrepreneurship and small business resources across the Southern Virginia region, visit www.sovarise.com.

About the SOVA Innovation Hub

The SOVA Innovation Hub is a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Southern Virginia. Through collaboration with business and education partners, the SOVA Innovation Hub provides access to resources, fosters collaboration, and nurtures skills that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our state-of-the-art facility in South Boston, Virginia features multiple meeting spaces and a variety of offices and workspaces to meet the needs of small businesses and remote workers in Southern Virginia. Learn more at www.sovainnovationhub.com.

About RISE Collaborative

RISE Collaborative brings together makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators of all backgrounds, interests, and experiences from across Southern Virginia to support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. Through programs, events, and online network, entrepreneurs gain a supportive community of peers, direct access to business resource providers, dynamic training and skill-building content, and value-added networking opportunities. Learn more at www.sovarise.com.

Liz Smith
Senior Marketing Manager
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation
liz.smith@mbc-va.com
 (434) 570-1312