OurSpace FAQ SheetWhat is coworking?Coworking is a movement to create collaborative workspaces for those individuals who work outside the traditional office. This emerging pattern allows talented individuals to share with others, complete separate projects completed, and obtain necessary feedback. Thus, coworking is more than a workspace, it is a community

Why Coworking? When independents form a “collective mass,” they utilize shared social, business and technological resources and have the ability to transform an entire area, whether a neighborhood or a city. Bacigalupo and Dickert (Bacigalupo, T. and Dicket, S. NewWorkCity, August 2008) state coworking spaces assist their local communities in three general ways:

Providing a space for free-flow of technical and creative expertise

Coworking spaces have a culture of share and support. This provides for a rapid transference of difficult-to-learn knowledge in the areas of technology and creativity.Providing a support infrastructure for new entrepreneurs and othersThe trials and tribulations of starting up or running a knowledge-based business is often a common thread for a community of knowledge of workers. By providing people a way to speak to their fellow entrepreneur, coworking spaces help make it easier for people to get their businesses off the ground.

Providing long-term economic value without government investment Coworking leverages the existing openness of modern entrepreneurs. Members are not simply customers; they are active in maintaining and growing the community. When many of these talented individuals are put together in the same room, new ideas are

cultivated and newer stronger businesses are born. This culture of growth can generate additional tax revenue and economic value for this host city.

Who will be my coworkers?Independent, creative individuals and business-savvy folks who wish to get projects completed. They are artists, consultants, accountants , lawyers, technologists, writers, educators and others.

Do I need to be an “independent worker” to be a member?No! You can be a remote employee of a Fortune 500 company, a governmental agency or a nonprofit entity.

What is included in membership?OurSpace membership will include:

● A strong dose of Whuffie met with creativity and collaboration;

● Desk and tables to work from, either on a day-to-day or permanent basis;

● Conference room for internal/external meetings and presentations;

● Hi-Speed internet connection with available wi-fi;

● Free local facsimiles;● Physical mailing address.

Can I start my new startup company there?Absolutely! Members are encouraged to be entrepreneurial OurSpace, and are encouraged to create new work opportunities for Fort Wayne. However, OurSpace is not designed to grow the next Google, so if your project gets too big, we’ll be happy to hook you up with the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, or other business development and incubation organizations.

Can a membership be shared among more than one person?No. Memberships are not transferable from person to person. Discounted memberships are available to companies, organizations and families who purchase multiple memberships.

Will there coffee? Yes. There will be plenty of it. In addition, members will be allowed to bring their own beverages and store them in a refrigerator.

Can I have a desk all my own?OurSpace does provide desks for those members that purchase Workaholic Jo/Joe and Regular Jo/Joe memberships. Individuals with Flexible Flyer, Weekender, Moonlighter and General memberships will be able to work in an open-format space which allows you to actively collaborate with one another.

Can I have a business phone line?Currently separate business phone lines are not available, thus members are encouraged to use their own cell phones, or use the private broadband service to set up ad hoc VOIP systems as they wish (ex: GoogleVoice and Skype). For members that need to make confidential phone calls, a private phone area will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Can I play music? Yes. However, members are to be respectful of each other, so bring your headphones.

Can I drop in and distribute my information to members?No. This is a workspace, where people go to get things done. It's a not a networking function. In addition, recruitment for MLM businesses is strictly prohibited.

Where can I park my vehicle?Currently parking is not included in the price of membership, although it is an issue that is currently in exploration. There is meter parking in the City of Fort Wayne-owned lot at the southeast corner of Wayne Street and Barr Street, in addition to off-street spaces on Wayne Street and Barr Street. Monthly parking arrangements can be made through Denison parking.

What type of opportunities will there be there to foster community?

WorkshopsEvents focused on shared knowledge whether technological advancements, business development or personal well-being. NetworkingFormal and informal events that encourages relationships between solo proprietors and business professionals, including bankers, development professionals, technologist and angel investors.

What a cool idea! I want more information:

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