Chamber News

Invest Southern Virginia -- Coworking Office Space Study

Does Southern VA Need More Coworking and Makerspace? Attention all small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, craftspeople, and creatives. Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), in partnership with Longwood University, is calling for community input on proposed innovative office space in Southern Virginia. Read More.....

Does Southern VA Need More Coworking and Makerspace? 

Online Survey Will Determine Direction of Major Innovation Strategy for Region 

Attention all small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, craftspeople, and creatives. Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), in partnership with Longwood University, is calling for community input on proposed innovative office space in Southern Virginia. 

The study is designed to gauge whether or not there is a need for additional coworking and makerspaces, the spaces’ desired offerings, and also the amount people would be willing to pay as a member or occasional user of such a space. 

Coworking spaces are generally for those seeking office-type space for continuous or occasional use. Coworking spaces can offer a sense of community among solo workers and amenities such as high speed internet, video conferencing capabilities, printing/scanning/copying, meeting space, etc. 

Makerspaces can provide access to design software and shared production equipment, such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, drill presses, sewing machines, commercial kitchen equipment, food storage, etc. 

“The survey results will guide the planning process for designing high-tech, coworking spaces that provide the tools for success for all types of entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement at MBC. 

This region-wide study of market demand for coworking and makerspaces is being conducted by The Institute for Service Research, a full service market research and economic modeling firm with extensive experience in Southern Virginia. The study is part of a larger innovation and entrepreneurship strategy being developed by MBC and Longwood University supported by funding by GO Virginia Region 3. 

Those who take the survey have the option to remain anonymous or to be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card. 

The survey is available exclusively online at www.investsova.com/survey. MBC and Longwood are urging people who plan to relocate or who currently work or live in the Southern Virginia Tobacco Region to complete the survey. The region includes three cities (Danville, Emporia, Martinsville) and twenty counties (Amelia, Appomattox, Bedford, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Sussex). 

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