Gig East Exchange celebrates five years of connection

By Shappelle Marshall

Summary: Five years after opening in the middle of a pandemic, the Gig East Exchange has become a cornerstone of Wilson’s innovation ecosystem. What began as a leap of faith during uncertain times is now a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, technologists, and community partners driving growth across eastern North Carolina.

When the Gig East Exchange opened its doors in 2020, the timing seemed uncertain at best. The world was in the grip of a pandemic, and the freshly renovated coworking space in downtown Wilson was launching into an economy that had ground to a halt. Five years later, that leap of faith has proven transformative for both the Exchange and Wilson’s entire innovation ecosystem.

“Opening in a time of uncertainty and seeing so much progress, that is our biggest success story,” said Emily Wells, Greenlight Community and Engagement Manager. “In the first six months, we filled most of the office spaces. People needed a place to reconnect. They were tired of working at home. They wanted community, to be around people who share common goals.”

The Exchange, powered by Wilson’s fiber-optic broadband network, Greenlight, and designed as more than just a workspace, has become a connector for entrepreneurs, creatives, tech innovators, and local businesses. The facility offers not just desks and meeting rooms, but access to resources, mentorship, and a growing web of regional partnerships.

“Partnerships are the core of what we do,” Wells said. “The biggest aspect is being a connector. Fiber connection through Greenlight, but also knowledge of different ways to utilize it to grow. We have great resources and support organizations.”

Those partnerships have expanded significantly over five years. The Exchange has become a hub for organizations like the Gig East Alliance, Wilson Community College, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce, the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), and the Wilson Economic Development Council. Regional partners including Capitol B and RIoT have added to the support network available to Exchange members.

“We’re so fortunate to have organizations that want to help people grow their ideas and businesses,” Wells said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with these groups.”

The Exchange’s growth has mirrored downtown Wilson’s broader transformation. Over the past five years, new restaurants have opened, a baseball stadium is being built, and the area has seen increased foot traffic and investment.

One of Wells’ favorite milestones has been the launch of Navigation East, a program exploring ways technology can improve quality of life in Wilson. The facility has also become home to initiatives like Smart Ag partnerships and regular programming including ‘Coffee and Conversations’ and ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions.

In 2026, the Exchange will host a celebration marking its fifth anniversary. While details are still being finalized, the event will honor the partners and members who have invested time and passion into the space. Plans include revisiting highlight moments from different programs and closing with a networking event designed to welcome all community members.

“We want it to be a celebration of all the partners and Exchange members who have poured passion and time into this,” Wells said. “It’s an opportunity for newcomers to come and experience it all.”

Looking ahead to the next five years, Wells hopes to streamline access to resources and ensure entrepreneurs can find what they need quickly. But she also emphasized that the Exchange’s success isn’t measured in square footage or fiber speeds. It’s measured in people.

“I want to highlight our team, the city leadership who had the vision for the Exchange, and the people who have been doing the work,” Wells said. “It’s a job, but it’s also a passion. We care so deeply about our members and what motivates them. Downtown business owners and entrepreneurs are making the most of what we offer. Our biggest hope is that people use it and it acts like a launchpad. That’s the passion we all share.”

More details about the 2026 celebration will be announced soon. Those interested in membership or visiting the Exchange can contact Gig East.