KC coworking studios align to create cohesion, understanding
May 22, 2015 | Bobby Burch
A cadre of Kansas City coworking studio leaders are working together to bring awareness to their trade through a new alliance.
Twelve organizations thus far have banded together to collectively raise their profiles to attract more businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to use the array of coworking studios in Kansas City.
“Coworking is really starting to grow in Kansas City,” said Melissa Saubers, chairwoman of the KC Coworking Alliance. “Our number one goal is awareness of what coworking is, what the benefits are to a coworker and what types of shared spaces are available.”
In addition to creating awareness, Saubers said that the alliance hopes to create a cooperative network between the studios to better serve independent workers. That collaborative approach will allow the group to share best practices, as well as create a “passport” system offering coworkers entry into each member’s space
“It’s about being cooperative, not competitive,” she said. “It’s really all about the shared economy and being able to offer services for people no matter what situation they’re in.”
Saubers said that the group currently is working to create a website to aggregate information on member spaces and what each has to offer.
Thus far, the alliance consists of:
- Cowork Waldo in Waldo
- Ennovation Center in Independence, Mo.
- KCK Community College’s Innovation Center in Kansas City, Kan.
- Village Square in Kansas City, Kan.
- Think Big Partners in Kansas City
- Innovation Café in Kansas City
- Plexpod in Lenexa
- Blue Valley CAPS in Overland Park
- InterUrban ArtHouse in Overland Park
- OfficePort in the Crossroads
- Iwerx Incubator in North Kansas City
- Small Biz Docs in Grandview
Featured Business
2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meet KC’s cowpunk basement guitar hero: This DIY dreamer is demanding more from himself
Kansas City’s DIY music scene has long been a hub for raw, creative talent — with eclectic frontman Kole Waters quickly becoming one of its standout names. As the lead guitarist and co-vocalist for post-country phenomenon Big Fat Cow and the centerpiece of synth-infused Dreamist, Waters blends influences ranging from folk storytelling to cathartic soundscapes.…
Build to barrel: Inside Holladay Distillery’s ironclad plan to boost bourbon production by one-third
WESTON, Missouri — Holladay Distillery is breaking ground with Rickhouse D — its first new barrel-aging warehouse in 75 years — marking a major step in expanding bourbon production from the historic plant. Renowned as the only Missouri operation to age bourbon in ironclad rickhouses, Weston-based Holladay Distillery is increasing capacity to meet surging demand,…
So you think you’re CEO material? UMKC’s ‘CEO Academy’ puts that ambition to the test
Aspiring executives with an eye on the C-suite need to be ready well before the opportunity arises, said Dan Hesse, leaning on his years of past experience as president and CEO of Sprint. It’s not about just being the boss, he emphasized. “Of all the roles, that of the CEO is so different than any…
Pitch locally or look to outsiders? How founder bias toward funding at all costs could leave your distracted startup without a why
Kansas City’s funding gaps often feel deeper for women entrepreneurs, two top founders said Tuesday, describing a startup ecosystem that pits emerging entrepreneurs against each other — but perhaps more critically, against time — in a highly competitive fight for a limited amount of local capital. “Kansas City is very startup friendly — at least…