Beginning this month, Dominion Energy Innovation Center will open its doors to be a coworking space and hub for local entrepreneurs. DEIC will hold an Open House on September 12 from 4-6pm at 201 Duncan Street, inviting the community to visit the space and meet the team.
DEIC previously focused on technology startups, and will continue that important work. In addition, professionals of all stripes are invited to utilize the space as a coworking environment, including flexible work space, private offices, conference rooms, and a media studio.
Below, DEIC Director Adam Sledd shares his perspective on the organization’s new programs.
Adam Sledd, director of Dominion Energy Innovation Center in Downtown Ashland
My family and I moved back to the Richmond area three months ago after nine years in Washington D.C., and it’s been amazing to spend the summer re-learning the Richmond region.
Every corner of our community has sprouted something new while I was away, whether that’s the budding of a local industry like the brewery scene or major residential and commercial developments cropping up all across Hanover County. Every time I sit down with an old friend to catch up I hear about a new business or project that has its own plan to help grow some piece of the region’s economy. Ultimately, this is why I’ve moved back -- because while this has always been a great place to work and raise a family, it’s also continually evolving as a fantastic place to grow a business.
I joined the Dominion Energy Innovation Center because I am excited about playing a part in this region’s continued economic growth story, and because DEIC is just beginning to define the next stage of its impact in Ashland and beyond. …
What I’ve found in the past three months is that entrepreneurship resources don’t all extend from the downtown Richmond area out into the rest of the region. Not every new business will build around a high-tech model, and not every entrepreneur will find time to drive to Short Pump or downtown for a coworking space, a networking event, or a panel on how to improve your digital marketing. There needs to be a bridge that connects the abundance of resources downtown with entrepreneurs—and future entrepreneurs—in Ashland, Hanover, and further out.
DEIC is expanding outward to be that bridge. In addition to myself, Ian Ragland has joined DEIC as our Program Manager and marketing expert. Ten years into DEIC’s mission we are going to open our doors a little wider, develop new programs to serve the business community, and continue to be a place for entrepreneurs to build the future.
We hope that you’ll join us in that endeavor as a member, a mentor, or an event participant. If you would like to learn more about the space and what we’re working on please check out the website at www.dominnovation.com or come visit us on Duncan Street.