This document discusses coworking in Vermont. Coworking spaces allow entrepreneurs, freelancers, and other independent workers to work collaboratively in shared office spaces. The document notes that coworking began in 1997 and provides statistics on typical coworking members. It then discusses the growth of creative clusters in Vermont and profiles a specific coworking space called Local 64 in Burlington. The benefits of coworking for both individuals and communities are outlined. Finally, the document discusses next steps for expanding coworking in Vermont through partnerships, a second location, and engaging legislative leaders.

1. Coworking in Vermont
What’s the Big Idea?

2. Coworking is an answer to the question,
How can we help entrepreneurs and creatives
connect, grow their ventures, and foster
startup communities?

3. Coworkers are
Independent Open Collaborative

4. Coworking
Begun in 1997
78 percent under 40
30 percent bike or walk
4:5 self-employed
44 percent in web design, development
36 percent report increased income
* http://www.deskmag.com/en/coworker-profile-usa-coworking-175

5. Creative cluster
Is Vermont ripe?
8 startup rank in the country
26 percent of workforce self-employed
4.5 percent working in creative cluster
5 percent annual growth of creative cluster
18 average percentage less a Vermont designer earns

6. Local 64
Begun in June 2012
37 number of monthly members
39 median age of members
20 average weekly presence, in hours
4:5 self-employed
53 percent working in creative cluster
$135 average monthly spending downtown
* Local 64 member survey, September 2012

7. Benefits for coworkers
• Establish presence, increase productivity
• Break isolation, foster networks
• Increase density, generate ideas and value

8. Benefits for towns
• Foster creative density, clusters
• Renovate, activate empty space
• Generate downtown activity

9. “
Coworking has revitalized my one-woman business. I
feel more productive and far less isolated. It's given me
a work community--something that, as a freelancer, is
not naturally built in to my life.
”
* Local 64 member survey, November 2012

10. Work
Social networking
Professional development
Educational workshops
Community programming

11. Moving forward
• Write coworking insight and technical
assistance roadmap with VCET
• Expand value, partnerships with spaces like
Office Squared (O2) Burlington
• Explore second location in Barre
• Foster joint projects to build momentum, like
Barre Business Plan Competition

12. Legislative leadership opportunities
• Spokesperson for the model
• Seek out, participate in networks
• Connect the dots in communities
• Listen for policy recommendations

13. Thank you
Lars Hasselblad Torres
802-595-0605
lhtorres@gmail.com
MONTPELIER PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT