Hi Mark, Its been my experience that city governments (like that of Madison, WI where I am in the process of opening a facility) don't generally have resources available to the small business person who is opening a coworking facility. Most grants and other monies that I've seen exist for larger businesses, etc, IE incubator loans for small businesses that have a specific product, or capacity-building/expansion grants for companies that already exist. I've spoken with a couple of people involved with the city here (City of Madison, THRIVE) and both suggest that there isnt really money out there for opening something like a coworking facility.
That said, dont let it stop you! Coworking is a new type of business and requires some new thinking to get people inspired and involved. You may still very well be able to get a some kind of fiscal sponsorship from the city. Here is my advice: 1) Try to find a space that is owned by the city but going unused. They may donate it for a number of months in the name of economic development. 2) Try to find a land owner who believes in your vision. Get a lease with "abated rent" for a period of time. If that is still too risky, ask for a 3 or 6 month lease for almost nothing to see if you can get the idea off the ground. 3 months is a flash in the pan for land owners since they usually think in terms of multi-year leases. 3) Start a jelly to develop your community. Get pledges from people in the community, IE "if we open on this date X, I promise to pay this amount Y". You can get checks ahead of time, or just "pledges" to pay, and then use that data when approaching land owners. 4) Connect with organizations in the area. Find one or two with a similar mission that can incorporate coworking, and have them work with you. Often their resources or even just the association with their name will be enough to convince landlords to take a chance on you. Please let me know how your efforts go. -Jonathan Yankovich On Sep 10, 7:54 am, Mark in Iowa City <[email protected]> wrote: > Greetings everyone, > We are in the process of developing a coworking facility in Iowa City, > IA. > Wondering if any of your spaces received any public assistance to get > started or to help subsidize your ongoing costs and if so, how did > that work? > > Also, if anyone is willing to share some basic financials with us it > would be greatly appreciated and helpful in our development of a > business plan. just monthly costs (obviously they will differ by > market) like rent, internet, phone, etc > > Any thoughts appreciated. > marknolte at iowacityarea.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
