By Mike Finney

DOVER — The Hive on Loockerman is beginning to buzz, as it prepares to officially open its business center and meeting space this week.

Chevonne Boyd, owner of the 28 W. Loockerman St. establishment, has been waiting for this moment.

“Oh, my goodness, it’s been such a long time coming,” she said. “We are definitely looking forward to welcoming the community into The Hive and showcasing our products and services and how we can best support small businesses and nonprofits, as they pursue entrepreneurship in Dover.”

Following open houses Wednesday, June 5, from noon to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 3-7 p.m., a ribbon cutting with the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce is planned for Friday,  June 7, at 1 p.m.

Then, a grand-opening celebration for the public will take place Saturday, June 8, with pop-up shopping from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I really want people to come out for what is on Saturday because we’ll have a bunch of local gems displaying and showcasing their products, and that is what makes me most proud — giving other businesses a place to do their business,” Ms. Boyd said.

“It’s a pop-up shopping experience, and we will have eight local vendors showcasing their products that day, and we want the community to come out and support them.”

The Hive will also be hosting an open-mic concert hosted by Sagacity Sound from 7-10 p.m. on June 4, plus a “Glory Pages” Gospel Brunch on June 9 from 3-5 p.m.

The previously scheduled “Pure Laughs” Clean Comedy Show on Friday had to be canceled.

For Ms. Boyd, it is a thrill to begin presenting a regular stream of events at her site, a member-based business and event center dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders with space and resources to nurture their enterprises.

“It has definitely been jam-packed, between juggling events and prepping the physical state of The Hive,” she said. “We’ve had contractors in and out getting the space ready to receive the public, so we’re excited, and we hope that everyone loves The Hive as much as we do.”

The first-floor, 2,493-square-foot facility includes 1,600 square feet of open space, allowing easy configurations of work areas. Plus, there is a 103-inch recessed display screen, four 55-inch smart monitors, built-in speakers with Bluetooth connectivity and two gender-neutral bathrooms.

“The space is designed to be a launching pad for small-business owners who really need the support to get exposure in the community,” Ms. Boyd said. “A lot of people have gone hybrid. They’re working from home, and you can see the small-business sector has skyrocketed over the past couple of years, particularly due to COVID.

“However, in our particular area, it’s difficult to find space that is affordable to help bridge the gap between small-business owners and the constituents they want to serve. So, that’s what we’re here for.”

For example, The Hive hopes to provide flash shopping for small entities and boutiques, space for photography or video-recording sessions for freelancers, artists’ displays, full-day workshops for life coaches or instructors, board meetings for nonprofits, holiday celebrations or corporate meetings.

Ms. Boyd added that each upcoming event will offer a unique chance to explore The Hive, network with local leaders and entrepreneurs, and enjoy refreshments provided by local eateries.

Visitors may wish to call her the “queen bee.”

“I’m a workaholic. My husband, (Cheston Boyd,) and I train our kids to put their boots to the ground and figure out how they can make things happen for them,” she said.
“Really, I fell in love with the concept of having The Hive, where people can come together and get things done.”

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.
Follow @MikeFinneyDSN on X.