I would agree with David Garvin's response on the fact that each government is going to be different. Also, government facilities can stifle the entrepreneurial process if you dont choose the right place and have the right structure in place. However, if you research the google group you will probably find a few discussions on getting grants and coworking spaces joining up with incubators.
My experience is that I work for a business incubator (funded by the gov), and we are currently in the process of opening our doors for coworking. The difference between us, and other government entities is the fact that our whole goal is to drive the entrepreneurial spirit. We see the benefits of coworking, and therefore that is what we are doing. Unfortunately not all incubators see the benefits, and we are a minority. But I believe it is all in the pitch. So far, this has been a positive thing. I would encourage all spaces to try it. The caveat, however, is that it might not always work. If you talk to some government entities, and they dont understand the main components that make up coworking; then get out. They have to understand that coworking is very unconventional.There wont always be metrics or graphs. The value is in the community of entrepreneurs. If the government entity doesn't get it, then all of what coworking is will be stifled. If a space wanted to talk to incubators or EDC's, I would recommend starting the education process first. Contact government leaders that are already entrepreneurially minded, and show them what coworking is truly about. Work on your sales pitch. Find coworking success stories, and make it real to them. If you can sell them without compromising on coworking values, then I think it can be a beautiful thing. Thanks for listening, Brian Whipple www.IncubationWorks.com On Apr 7, 2:05 pm, Beth Buczynski <[email protected]> wrote: > Hello Community! > > I'm researching a story for Shareable.net about coworking and > connections to city governments. And once again, I'm wondering if you > might share your thoughts on the following questions: > > Do you have any experience working with local government? What sparked > the interaction? Was it overall positive or negative? Would you advise > new spaces to try it? > > How can new coworking space owners introduce themselves to local > government in a way that will encourage collaboration? Or do you think > it's best to wait for them to find you? > > What can coworkers and coworking space managers do to create the > cities and economy of the future in collaboration with city > governments? > > Thanks in advance for your feedback :) > > Beth > [email protected] > @gonecoworking -- 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.
