In an effort to help grow the entrepreneurial spirit in Waunakee, the Village is currently seeking feedback and insight from individuals who are currently working out of their homes or in remote office spaces to determine if there is a demand/need for a co-working facility to serve area residents.
Across the nation, the number of co-working spaces is rising at rapid pace as professionals and entrepreneurs strive to get out of whatever currently serves as their makeshift workspace. However, a co-working facility is more than just office space shared by professionals; rather, it provides the opportunities created by people who are still working independently, but share values and are interested in the synergy that can result from working with like-minded, talented people in the same space.
While demand for this type of space is increasing, co-working space founders almost all agree that it isn’t a “build it and they will come” project. The key to a successful operation is creating a space that meets the unique needs of the community of users that it will serve. Some facilities operate as nonprofits and others are managed/owned by a primary user. Several exist purely to provide the social interaction and camaraderie of a traditional “office”, while several strive to build collaborations and partnerships.
It is for these reasons that the Village of Waunakee has contracted with the T. Braun Company to assess the independent professional landscape in Waunakee and determine the need and ability to support a co-working facility. The intention of the study is not for the Village to operate or manage the Project, but to provide recommendations and guidance so that such a space is not only sustainable, but fosters the generation of ideas, facilitates business collaborations, and fuels future economic development success stories.
If you are potentially interested (now or in the future) in having a co-working or shared office facility in Waunakee, or if you simply have questions about what such space could provide, please contact Tricia Braun before Friday, August 23 at tricia@thebrauncompany.com or 951.201.5895.