Startup Virginia, like the rest of Richmond's startup ecosystem, felt the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. A year, and several pivots later, however, the local incubator has come out on the other side with new a resource for a whole different group of people.
In April, Startup Virginia, a non-profit high-growth business incubator and entrepreneurial hub, launched a brand-new community membership option. Like the incubator membership, the community option is application-based, but those interested don't need to be a startup founder to apply.
The option is for "innovatively-minded entrepreneurs, technologists, freelancers, creatives or investors looking to work in a startup environment."
Erica Babcock, Startup Virginia marketing and operations manager, said the incubator lost about 20 members at the height of the pandemic, and its executive team spent months seeking additional ways to optimize its role in the region's tech and startup community.
"We decided to look at the incubator to determine how to not only sustain ourselves but improve the community while we’re at it," she said. "We see this as an opportunity to fill a gap in Richmond's entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting innovative businesses and individuals to our startup community."
Babcock said the program already has seven members, a mix of individuals and early-stage businesses. Though the organization intends to grow that group, its main focus will continue to be on its 78 incubator members — high-growth startups and founders. Startup Virginia's office spaces and mentor network are reserved for those members only.
Community members will have access to the facility's programming, open workspace areas and the 1717 Innovation Center where Startup Virginia is housed.
"The value add of becoming a community member is working in this innovative environment with others who are growing their business, being around interesting people and being able to work alongside and build up your network is a great opportunity," Babcock said.
