Could Coworking Have A Major Impact On Our City?

Posted under , , , , , on February 11th, 2010 by gerard Leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.

“Ever wonder if your idea could have a major impact on our city?” asks the folks at Ignite Cincinnati (not to be confused with Ignite Cincinnati).  We believe Cincy Coworks could.  So we filled out their appreciatively brief grant application form.  There are some logistical and demographic questions, but here is the money question and our answer.

Question:

Ignite projects should be created by you! Step outside of the box and think of something unique that 18-40 year-olds would find both interesting and cool. Tell us why we should vote YES for your project and let us know how it will be a reflection on young people and the neighborhoods in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Answer:

Coworking generally brings to mind young creatives tapping away at laptops in a cool office space. We want to create this and more. These solo-preneurs are hard at work building the next big agency, or building the next big startup, or simply enjoying the benefits of being your own boss. These people are already in Cincinnati. We just need to bring them together.

We envision Cincinnati Coworks as a platform for events with a civic-minded focus on making Cincinnati a better city. We want to do so by hosting user groups, SIG’s, GiveCamps, Barcamps, mini-conferences, community classes, Pecha Kucha nights, Ignite events (the other Ignite Cincinnati), you-name-it.  We’ll provide the space at little or no cost and a built-in network of potential participants. At Cincinnati Coworks, our mission as a professional community hub is to transform how people in Cincinnati with ideas get together and make the region a better place to live. Also, with the coworking visa program, coworking members in other cities know they have a place to work when they visit Cincinnati.

Our operations are supported by our coworking members. These members are freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors who are by definition cut of a different cloth. We provide them a place to work and collide with like-minded people. The whole business is structured so that these members build a community and friendships.  Did you ever become really good friends with someone you worked with?  Imagine the same thing, only now you’re your own boss, and you get to work with friends without the office politics, without the org chart, without superiors, without having to deal with others who really don’t want to be there.

Coworking is not unique throughout the country, but it is unique in this city.  I know of no coworking spaces open currently. In fact, with as many independent consultants and creatives buzzing around Cincinnati, I find it surprising and a bit of a shame that there has been no coworking space opened to date. We want to fix this problem. That is why you should vote YES for Cincinnati Coworks.

Posted under , , , , , on February 11th, 2010 by gerard Leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to Could Coworking Have A Major Impact On Our City?

  1. Jennifer Mitchell says:

    This is fabulous- I’m so glad you found this resource! What you’ve said is so true. And with the job market being so volatile, solo-prenuers are popping up all over!

    I really hope to get be able to be more active in your co-working venture and appreciate the work going into pulling it all together!

    Jennifer

  2. […] Why might you sign up?  If you are tired of working out of your home and want to collaborate with others, yes. But more importantly, you need to sign up if you believe in our vision. […]