2026 Innovation Award Presented to University CoWork

University CoWork is proud to announce that it has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Innovation Award from the Village of Hazel Crest, recognizing its impact in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the local business ecosystem.

The award is being presented at the Village’s Economic Development Business Breakfast on April 23, 2026, honoring organizations that are driving meaningful community and economic development.

Recognizing Innovation

Since its founding in 2018, University CoWork has taken a different approach to coworking and private offices—one rooted not just in space, but in building systems and relationships that help entrepreneurs succeed and communities grow.

Originally launched in Woodlawn / Hyde Park as the South Side of Chicago’s first full-service business accelerator, University CoWork was created to address a clear gap: despite representing a significant share of Chicago’s population, the South Side historically had limited access to capital, professional workspace, and entrepreneurial resources.

That mission has since expanded into a broader platform that integrates:

• Physical workspace, event venues, and meeting facilities
• Business development programming and events
• Technology-enabled tools such as Zoom Rooms and podcast production equipment
• Community-driven collaboration

The result is an ecosystem designed to help entrepreneurs not just start, but thrive.

Expanding into the Southland

A key factor in this recognition is the launch of the University CoWork Southland Office, developed in conjunction with Southland Works. 

Soft-launched in 2025 and continuing toward a full opening, the Southland Office in Homewood / Hazel Crest represents a major step forward in expanding access to entrepreneurial resources in the southern suburbs.

This expansion will:

• Connect South Side Chicago entrepreneurs with south suburban entrepreneurs
  
• Bring high-quality workspace and programming to the southern suburbs
• Create a centralized hub for collaboration, education, and growth for the southland
• Support under-resourced founders with access to tools and community

By strategically linking these ecosystems, University CoWork is helping to build a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant regional economy.

Innovation Through Platform and Technology

University CoWork’s impact extends well beyond its physical locations.

Through offerings like Virtual Mail and its Virtual Accelerator platform, the organization has built a hybrid model that supports entrepreneurs wherever they are.

The Virtual Mail platform enables businesses to establish a professional presence, manage mail remotely, and improve visibility online—key components of building credibility, credit, and accessing capital.

Meanwhile, the Virtual Accelerator delivers structured programming, expert-led training, and exposure opportunities through initiatives like Success in 60, helping entrepreneurs move forward efficiently and strategically.

Together, these tools reflect a broader vision: combining space, technology, and community into a scalable platform.

A Community Built for Growth

At the center of University CoWork is its community.

Members represent a wide range of industries—from finance and real estate to nonprofits, health and wellness, media, and logistics—and actively collaborate, share resources, and support one another’s growth.

This culture is reinforced through:

• In-person events like Wine Down, Lunch & Learns, Success in 60, and networking sessions
• Dedicated spaces such as event spaces, Zoom rooms, meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, and content creation equipment
• A University CoWork Members app and Virtual Accelerator keep the community connected

The goal is simple: connect entrepreneurs with the resources and community so they can thrive and in-turn uplift their communities.

Looking Ahead

Receiving the Hazel Crest Innovation Award marks an important milestone, and is also a signal of what’s ahead.

University CoWork will continue to:

• Expand its footprint in the Southland
• Deepen connections between regional entrepreneurial ecosystems
• Invest in programming and technology that accelerates business growth
• Create pathways for more entrepreneurs to access the capital and resources they need

Innovation, in this context, is not just about new ideas. It’s about building infrastructure that makes opportunity more accessible.

Join Us

University CoWork invites entrepreneurs, partners, and community members to be part of this growing ecosystem.

👉 Learn more: www.UniversityCoWork.com

👉 Book a Chicago Office (Hyde Park / Woodlawn) tour: www.UniversityCoWork.com/ChicagoOffice

👉 Book a Southland Office (Hazel Crest / Homewood) tour: www.UniversityCoWork.com/SouthlandOffice

University CoWork Receives the 2026 Innovation Award for Community Impact at The Village of Hazel Crest Municipal Center

Economic Development Chairwoman and Commissioner Jessica Kelly and Economic Development Commissioner Tiffany McFerren present 2026 Innovation Award to David C. Lubin of University CoWork.

University CoWork Founder and CEO David C. Lubin with Southland Office Operations Coordinator Estefany Rodriguez

2026 Economic Development Commission Business Breakfast

2026 Innovation Award Presented to University CoWork

Pam Jackson (Dipn'Double) and David C. Lubin (University CoWork)

Allen Kern (Senses To Soul School of Music) and David C. Lubin (University CoWork)

Jessica Kelly, Chairwoman and Commissioner Economic Development Commission

Geneero Jackson (US Bank) and David C. Lubin (University CoWork)

Village of Hazel Crest Economic Development Commission Business Breakfast

Jessica Kelly (Economic Development Commission Chairwoman) and David C. Lubin (University CoWork)