HAYVN’s name tells you everything you need to know about this coworking space that puts an emphasis on culture and community. Founder Felicia Rubinstein started her first HAYVN location in 2019 after years of working for herself and for big tech companies. “I needed a place like this throughout my professional journey,” she says.
Guided by the five pillars of entrepreneurship, empowering women, sustainability and social impact, health and wellness, and marketing, HAYVN is dynamic community where ideas flourish, businesses grow, and people genuinely connect. From hands-on workshops to mentorship and networking, Rubinstein wants HAYVN’s community members to have “the water cooler talks without the politics.”
Her vision has resonated with people. Not only did HAYVN survive the pandemic—with the help of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA—and successfully lure people back to the office, but five years after opening the Darien, CT location, Rubinstein launched a Greenwich location in 2024. And with the help of Christine Sullivan, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center advisor who has been by her side through it all, Rubinstein is now looking to scale her business with a third location.
Getting the funds to grow HAYVN
No matter which location you are interested in, HAYVN offers several membership options for people looking for flexible office space or a community to grow their network. In dedicated offices and at shared desks, you will find everyone from CEOs of big companies who need a quiet, remote office to the entire staff of start-ups. You may also find them gathered around the puzzle table or taking a break in the communal kitchen.
With the Darien office bursting at the seams, Rubinstein did more than just open the Greenwich location. She is also taking over more space in Darien, building a new conference room and private office on a different floor. These offices are designed for therapists who may not want to see patients at home and need more privacy than the shared spaces in the main HAYVN office.
All this growth comes with funding challenges, which Sullivan was there to help Rubinstein navigate. HAYVN is a bit unusual; most coworking spaces do not receive SBA Loans, as the organization shies away from real estate-based businesses. Because HAYVN puts so much emphasis on events, community, and marketing, Sullivan was able to help Rubinstein make the case to the SBA. Combining that loan with crowdfunding gave her the funds she needed to launch.
When it came time to expand, Sullivan recommended a $105,000 Boost Loan. Supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund provides working capital loans with no origination fees, and a low, fixed rate. HAYVN grew its revenue by $227,000 in 2025.
“Felicia has proven out the model, which wasn’t easy,” says Sullivan, who also serves on HAYVN’s board and who frequently works from the shared offices. The Greenwich location “has all the same brightness and sparkle,” says Sullivan, as she helps Rubinstein navigate the next steps in the company’s growth.
Where will HAYVN go next?
With locations strategically positioned along the I‑95 corridor, Rubinstein is already looking ahead—exploring opportunities for the next space in communities like Fairfield or Westport, while remaining open to new possibilities. For those who recognize the potential of HAYVN’s model, the door is open to help bring this vision to a neighborhood near you.
As Sullivan and Rubinstein build a deck for investors and plan for expansion, they are seeking forward-thinking property owners ready to reimagine underutilized office space. By partnering on a flexible, revenue-sharing model, Rubinstein aims to transform vacant square footage into vibrant hubs of community and collaboration. If that opportunity speaks to you, the conversation is just beginning.
