Jennifer Blanchard Belk, MAE, IIDA, LEED APDirector and Programming Coordinator

LOOM Coworking

Goals of Presentation:• Introduction to concept of Coworking• Understand work trends and resident needs• Describe target members and their benefits• Highlight the vision for the space and services• Recognize LOOM’s alignment with FMEC goals• Describe financial and marketing efforts• Gain sponsorships, partners and champions for

start-up and on-going support and success

The Concept:LOOM Coworking will be an environment

created to facilitate a new level of collaboration and professional growth within Fort Mill and all of York County. The goal is not only to provide a space for innovation

enhancing interactions, but to bring together all types of independent workers into an

accessible, inspiring, enjoyable and sustainable community.

The Title:As a tribute to our area steeped in textile history, this Coworking community, called

LOOM, represents a contemporary take on a traditional art form and an effort to weave

together the talents in Fort Mill. The community will be a more family-oriented

culture that values work/life balance, providing development activities, scheduling and accessibility conducive to that lifestyle.

Rock Hill and Knowledge Park have the Technology Incubator and the student run Hive. Both successful but very niche organizations with a more limited industry and demographic reach than what is needed in Fort Mill. What Fort Mill needs is something agile, expedient and responsive to resident needs such as a grass roots effort by the citizens themselves. Huge initiatives often ignore the people and character of the town. Townspeople often feel little need to take personal initiative or give support for activities that may be done FOR them but are not done WITH them. Small business people, entrepreneurs and freelancers need empowerment.

We need innovative citizens to take ownership and to become engaged in the overall success of Fort Mill and LOOM Coworking will be a conduit and catalyst towards revitalization.

LOOM will be formed using these principles:Community and Collaboration

Openness and FlexibilityCreativity and Culture

Localism and SustainabilityAccessibility and Diversity

Facts about Coworking worldwide - There are 7,800 spaces worldwide (from only 1,130 in 2011) with over 500k members (from 43k in 2011). 79% of these expect a strongly increasing or increasing member count in coming year (GCS 2015-2016).

(so… nobody likes to admit they use Wikipedia, but we all know you do!)

“Coworking is a style of work that involves a shared working environment and independent activity. Unlike in a typical office, those coworking are usually not employed by the same organization. Typically it is attractive to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, or people who travel frequently who end up working in relative isolation.

Coworking is also the social gathering of a group of people who are still working independently, but who share values, and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with people who value working in the same place alongside each other. Coworking offers a solution to the problem of isolation that many freelancers experience while working at home, while at the same time letting them escape the distractions of home.”

We know that working alone is a drag. We know a lot of folks miss the energy and enrichment of an environment of coworkers. We know the distractions of running your business from your dining room or from Starbucks. Let's pool our collective talents to create a community that makes you WANT to go to WORK and then LEAVE it there and go HOME!

In a brief on-line discussion, when asked their opinions about working from home, some residents said (in order of prevalence):

What I love about having a flexible work location:• Being home with/for my kids when they need me• Being able to work for myself when I want, how I want• Being at home if there's a repair needed, take care of pets, run an errand

Why working at home doesn’t work for me:• NEVER being able to leave work. Having work always close enough to tempt

me into spending late hours at my desk• Unprofessional interruptions while trying to conduct business (flushing toilets,

dogs barking, babies crying)• I feel way more productive in focusing on my work when I'm in an office. I'll

often procrastinate on work-related tasks at home• Constant exposure to kids when home on summer break• Internet hiccups• Computer printers that aren't worthless consumer models• Spouses or child-care workers whose interactions are distractions

What I miss about being in an office:• Social or networking opportunities, from chatting with coworkers or other team

members to happy hours, impromptu lunches, etc.• Professional and adult interaction• The energy of an office being away from my house• A routine• Getting dressed up for work

What I don’t miss about being in a traditional office:• Losing time commuting• Mileage and parking costs

Mission and Vision• To create a co-working community that encourages professional growth and success, networking, idea

sharing, and talent development, while serving as a resource to members and beyond.• To have an active, creative and sustainable community of mobile workers, consultants, freelance artists,

entrepreneurs, and small businesses, working in a shared environment for the purposes of collaboration, innovation and productivity for themselves and the greater York County community.

• To bring together a range of creative, technical, academic, for profit and non-profit businesses, creating new possibilities for synergies and partnerships.

• To keep money in York County, harness the assets of local academic institutions, encourage work/life balance and empower community members in order to support the continued economic success of the area.

No longer the mill town …The industry data that SC and York County use is skewed because it is collected from employers, not from the residents themselves. Fort Mill’s future economic growth will be concentrated in the professional and business services sector. This area accounts for the majority of entrepreneurial endeavors. Fact: York County has a consistently higher rate of entrepreneurs (since 2006) than

SC overall

Uptown Charlotte has a wide range of very successful coworking communities … Why don’t we? ….. We certainly need it!South Carolina 2013 Labor profile:• 50% population growth by 2018 since 2000• 39,434 Live and Work in York County • 32,708 Commute Into York County• 47,760 Commute Out of County

US Department of Employment and Workforce says in 2015, it is now only 25% incoming compared to 40% outgoing

Workforce analysis study performed by professors at Winthrop University states the number of outgoing commuters from York County has risen to 51,660, with the great majority of knowledge workers stating they would prefer to work locally.

NC Sate University Institute for Emerging Issues… “Coworking in North Carolina” addendumNorth Carolina has a burgeoning coworking market, responding to the demand from entrepreneurs,

creatives and telecommuters to operate in a space conducive to success. As it becomes harder to find a job, more and more Gen Zers are turning to their own ideas and goals as a source of employment.

However, working alone out of the house does not provide collaborative interaction. Coworking addresses this issue by providing connectivity and an environment to encourage emerging enterprises.

We have identified several emerging trends that will contribute to an increase in the number of coworking spaces in the future … Self employment will have a growing market share along with the need for flexible and alternative workspaces. Fewer members of Generation Z want to work Monday-Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. in the same office. They would much rather prefer to choose when, where and how they work, being judged

solely on the basis of the work rather than time spent at a desk. Employers will need to retain talent through different work arrangements.

Why does Fort Mill’s work force need Coworking?• Increasing number of at-home (or coffee shop)

workers in York County and especially Baxter area.• The increase of congestion and construction along I-

77 will likely prompt more flexible workers to forego the commute and seek alternate arrangements.

• Residents love the flexibility and time saved in commute but not reaching full personal and professional potential because of separation from workplace and isolation.

But…..• There are not many productive choices in the area for

mobile or home-based workers. Crowded coffee shops lack optional privacy and layout space, have wi-fi glitches, and are ineffective for certain types of work or meetings.

• No similar entities in York, Lancaster or Chester counties

• Local option is Regus, which has no community, events, or rich amenities.

• Closest similar organizations are in or near Uptown Charlotte (30-45 min typical commute).

Luckily …… The owner, staff and

founding members are already heavily involved with local high ed institutions

and in the neighboring communities, socially,

professionally and philanthropically.

The benefits of LOOM to the people of Fort Mill: A community lounge of sorts, the open office area will replace the need for staking

out a loud and crowded table at a coffee shop …. for about the price of a daily large latte and bagel!

The staff will work to bring educational, social and networking opportunities to the members, making staying professionally current and involved less of a chore.

Organic and unintentional collisions within the space will give birth to industry and community collaborations. More local contacts equal more local contracts!

The benefits of LOOM to the town of Fort Mill: The multipurpose environment will serve as an ever changing art gallery,

increasing local’s exposure to the range of art and design talent available. Flexible meeting/event space will be available to local civic and networking groups. Housing a broad range of talent, it will be a conduit for intern and mentor pairings

for local universities. The flexible meeting and event space will be available to local civic, art and

networking groups Just as the service businesses of Baxter bring daytime visitors to the restaurants

and venues on Market Street, downtown Fort Mill will benefit from the increase in foot traffic from coworkers and their clients and members who are invested in the success of the development. This engagement leads to lower resident turnover, increased engagement in community efforts, greater economic benefits, and lower crime rates.

Who is the target customer / member?Many coworking communities focus on a particular sector or industry. LOOM will be open to all those in need, however coworking communities tend to naturally be populated with those in the technology and creative classes, as well as trainers and professional service providers.

Across the nation, approximately half of all coworkers are actually company employees, rather than freelancer, independent consultants or entrepreneurs, opening up the window of possibilities for our membership.

Members will be professionals from the Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Tega Cay & South Charlotte areas. Focus will be providing a more productive and collaborative option for the local:

Entrepreneur CreativeWriter/BloggerFreelancerConsultantContract worker Mobile worker Flex worker Sales repGrad studentNon-profit

Fun Fact: Statistics show (GCUC 2015) that the average age of a coworker is 39 (median age for York County is 37.6; Fort Mill 38.5). However, the highest growth is in members over 50!

Kathy is full time author who could work anywhere but needs to focus and have the structure and routine of going to the office.…. An unlimited “Dedicated” membership is a great solution for her!

* Includes full access Mon‐Sat with dedicated workstation plus all amenities

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Ben is a hard‐working entrepreneur who enjoys the freedom of being able to work anywhere but need the respect and amenities that an office bring, the peace of mind that comes with secure wi‐fi, and high impact internet for his videos and graphics  …. An unlimited “Hotdesk” membership is a great solution for him!

* Includes full access Mon‐Sat throughout flex space plus amenities

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Becky is a working mom who wants more work/life balance. She typically works about 3 days a week because she likes having the rest of the week for errands and volunteering at her child’s school …. A “12 pack” membership is a great solution for her!

* Includes access 12 days per month, Mon‐Fri throughout flex space plus amenities

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Bill is a sales rep who might be on the road a few days a week or a couple of weeks a month. When he IS in town, he needs a location to have meetings, get some heads‐down work done, and catch up with his local network …. An “8 pack” membership is a great solution for him!

* Includes access 8 days per month, Mon‐Fri throughout flex space plus all amenities

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Sal is a local business man enjoys sharing his knowledge and products with the community, hosting arts events, knowing what is going on with local companies, and supporting entrepreneurs and local talent…. A “Supporter” membership is a great solution for him!

* Includes discounted day passes, access to online network, invitations to events, and access to special events and conference room space rentals

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Jim is a local business man is usually on the go but often needs an impressive space to host meetings and the technology and amenities to help him look more established …. A “Virtual” membership is a great solution for him!

* Includes discounted day passes, access to online network, invitations to events, and access to special events and conference room space rentals as well as mailbox services.

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Spaces and amenities• Flexible and dedicated zones which give

choices for collaboration or heads-down time. • Award winning, ergonomic and contemporary

furnishings. • Open Kitchen/Bar/Break space with free

coffee and tea• Lounge/library space filled with business

magazines and inspiring/helpful texts• Meeting/conference rooms• Private “phone booths” for personal calls• Personal storage space for full-time

members• Art gallery highlighting local and student

artists• Event space for community, educational and

arts events• Fun display space including member wall,

comment boards, chalkboard announcements

• Bike storage and showers• Free parking• Outdoor space for work and play

Technology• Reliable and secure internet access• Video conferencing • AV equipment for checkout• Networked printer/copier• Online networking platformServices• Reputable business address for members*• Intern/Mentor matching service with local higher ed institutions and FMSD• Facilitating help from York County small business Development entities

Intangibles and Other Perks• Continuing education opportunities based on member interests• In-house and out-reaching networking events • Discounts at downtown restaurants and retailers• Local area services and assistance being brought to you• Group philanthropic opportunities and community support • Opportunities for inspiration, collaboration, and expert advice• Gallery and rentable space will be an asset to the community!

Our vision for the space• Client Friendly and Inviting Environment• Constantly evolving and able to be utilized by the occupants in a way that makes them feel a

sense of ownership• A range of work environments that allow workers to choose what is most productive for them

at that moment• Furnishings that create collaboration opportunities and enhance comfort and engagement• Graphics, art, and visual information that inspires (art shown by WU art student, Lillian Peel)• Natural light and a well utilized connection to the outdoors

LOOM is proud to be partnering with major commercial furniture dealership, AlfredWilliams, who will provide

interior furnishings and architectural solutions from Herman Miller and DIRTT. This partnership will reduce start-up costs, ensure a well-appointed environment and

provide a wealth of educational opportunities for members. The local dealership will rotate content frequently, which

will add another dynamic aspect to the community. AlfredWilliams has been serving customers in the

Carolinas and providing quality classic furnishings for 150 years. We are excited about working with them on this hip

and fun new space!

Folks want to LIVE, WORK, PLAY and STAY … HERE!!!• People of Fort Mill are affluent with higher median and average incomes than

the county, state and national data. They have higher educational levels than the county and state.

• Residents want to invest in Fort Mill. This leads to lower resident turnout, increased engagement and community efforts, greater economic benefits, and low crime rates.

• Fort Mill parents recognize their place in improving the world for their children. They value family time and dislike wasting that time in traffic.

• Fort Mill residents appreciate a higher quality of life. They enjoy creating a sense of place and see the increased community density as a way of connecting with others.

• Fort Mill has a heightened sense of community and neighborly support as a founding value. People encourage, show loyalty and are patrons of local businesses.

Meet Joshua James –LOOM’s first member and #1 champion

His company, Listing Tour, creates custom real estate video tours to market properties on MLS. He also creates narrative films, product tutorials, web design, company re-branding, photography and more.

Josh enjoys volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse and being active in church. His is passionate about Arts and Culture, Civil Rights and Social Action, Education and the Environment.

This recent masters degree graduate has traveled the world but recently decided to put down roots in Fort Mill. An outdoorsy guy, he loves the fact that he can ride his bike from his home on Steele St. to the post office and Elijah Park. He has become a member of the Greenway and he plans to join the local gym on Main St.

Josh loves hanging out at Hobo’s for some live music or trivia with long time Fort Mill residents and younger folks from the new apartments. Shopping local is important to him as is getting involved, which is why he makes it a point to attend Chamber meetings, BNI events and First Fridays!

…. THIS is the type of new, innovative and engaged downtown resident we want,

AND NEED, to attract!

LOOM’s Alignment with Community Goals:

It is well documented that coworking communities locating in downtown areas supports and encourages revitalization. LOOM’s goals and benefits align with strategies and recommendations of the Catawba Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Fort Mill’s 2012 Comprehensive Plan, the Fort Mill Economic Council PID plan, and the Knowledge Park initiatives.

Research done by similar communities such as the Old Town Jobs Initiative in Rock Hill specifically recommends the formation of a coworking communitytowards economic revitalization.

FM Comprehensive Plan of 2012 points of interest:‐ Mixed Use (attract residential)‐ Service industries (40%)‐ Create a sustainable economy w/ less reliance

on surrounding counties‐ FM lacks arts and community facilities‐ Want to bring people downtown‐ To be walkable and bikeable‐ Marketing to small businesses‐ Civic and educational events

LOOM’s Alignment with Community Goals:

FM Priority Investment District• Invites all needed parties to get involved and become part of something "big“.• Compliments the overall FMEC effort with the PID Mission Statement to "Plan, promote, preserve and

enhance opportunities for a vibrant, more prosperous [downtown district]"• Increase Tax Base; Create Jobs; Stimulate the Local Economy• Community Image / Needs Balance; Private Sector Capital Investment• Historic Rehabilitation; Community Revitalization• bring all entities (citizens, business owners, property owners,

FM Town Council) together and to paint a vision of the future and get all energies pointed in the same direction

• businesses to invest with services that Fort Mill needs. • true partnership between the private and public sectors• significant historic commercial structures and homes that • contribute to the character of Fort Mill are found in and adjacent to Node 5.• attract residents to downtown; civic and institutional uses will continue to attract residents.• Financial; Marketing Plan; Historic Preservation Plan; Economic Incentive Plan; Implementation• Targeted marketing to organizations and/or individuals looking for long term investment opportunities• Inclusive activities that support investors and the community• Creating a clear identity around the PID that citizens and investors will remember and identify with (we

can be part of that!)• Liaison for small/local businesses; Business mentor program; Lunch and learn• Planning & Heritage Education; SHPO & NPS facilitates funding, technical assistance & training; Future

Growth & encourage economic development; Protecting historic community resources• Expanding, or re-locating businesses to invest and prosper in the newly created Priority Investment

District, Private Investors, the Fort Mill Economic Council, and the Town of Fort Mill will provide eligible participants a variety of innovative grants and incentives to create new jobs, provide diverse high quality housing options, business opportunities and infrastructure while preserving our rich architectural history

LOOM’s Alignment with Community Goals:

Catawba Regional Economic Development Strategies 2014• The need to economically revitalize local downtowns and

center city areas that have languished due to the advent of suburban shopping malls and business parks on the community fringe.

• Assisting in the financing of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses

• Supporting local planning and economic development programs through technical assistance, and work with local Planning staff to update zoning and similar codes to reflect the latest innovative and creative design concepts such as encouraging the Page 14 development of a mix of employment and residential uses (office, research, light industrial, limited commercial and high density residential) at appropriate locations or urban villages which would encourage the development of compact mixed use, small-lot, pedestrian-oriented communities

• Encouraging public/private sector partnerships in economic development efforts, such as the creation of business incubators and the promotion of the region’s industrial clusters as a way of attracting new business;

• Increase the cooperation between the area’s high schools, vocational centers, colleges and industries in job training and workforce development to close any gaps and create a talent pipeline that will attract and retain talented workers;

• Creating competitive strategies for responding to the impacts of technology and globalization on the local economy, particularly to the loss of manufacturing jobs through increased collaboration and communication between economic development partners;

• Assisting with increasing the quality of life in the region’s communities to attract and retain the “creative class” of young workers through investments in higher and continuing education, historic preservation, entertainment/arts/culture, sports/tourism and alternative transportation options;

• FM SPECIFIC - Promote Main Street redevelopment and make improvements recommended in the Downtown Historic District

LOOM’s Alignment with Community Goals:

Old Town Jobs Initiative:• Leverage the technology resources of Comporium; Involve Springs Creative• Stimulate entrepreneurial activity and the creation of locally-owned businesses• Target businesses (marketing and graphic design, professional services, Information and

communications technology; banking)• Lifestyle amenities• Develop skills of the local workforce• Organize private sector leaders• Locally grown businesses are more engaged and committed• Recommends establishing special programs/facilities for business growth such as incubators,

innovation centers• Community-based collaboration; Need local sponsor, champions; Give efforts a community based

identity

• COWORKING SPACE SUGGESTED!!!

LOOM will generate revenue in many ways: • Coworking memberships (and service add-ons)• Additional meeting room reservations• Event space rental• Registration costs for workshops and classes

Cost Structure: Coworking membership fees will be based on a members estimated usage. They are month-to-month commitments that can be adjusted to meet their changing needs throughout a year. These can be purchased as:• Unlimited use of “hot-desking” or flex space Mon-Fri 7am-7pm and Sat 9am-3pm. • Unlimited use with a dedicated workspace and storage available Mon-Fri 7am-7pm and Sat

9am-3pm. • 12 pack = 3 days per week / 12 days per month available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. • 8 pack = 2 days per week / 8 days per month available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. • Single day passes available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at $20/day• Supporter Members = $30 per month or $300 per year• Virtual Members = $50 per month or $500 per year

Sources of capital needed to start coworking community? • Upfront, prepaid memberships• Director’s personal input• Community and private sector sponsorships

Strategy and ImplementationCurrently we are hosting monthly MeetUps to start a dialog within the greater York community.We have recently published an online market survey. These MeetUps will increase and become more member specific as we learn more about the social and professional development needs of potential members. We regularly communicate via social media aboutour creative inspiration, thoughts and links to articles that inspire us and expanding our networkwith people who are interested in joining the LOOM community.

We are also doing outreach at Winthrop and York Tech, speaking to the business classes and attending recruiting events in order to help students understand the breadth of their work environment options and innovative workplace trends.

We will reach our target market by connecting with local entrepreneur and networking groups, startups, and larger companies who are thinking about how to stay relevant in rapidlychanging markets. Through this process, we will identify, prior to opening, individuals whounderstand our vision and are willing to become founding members of our coworking space. Coworking space owners testify this is the most critical element to success.

The response so far has been great (as of 2/3/16)!

Facebook • 129 likes (75% in FM area)

MeetUp • 74 members from FM, CLT, RH, York, Wxw, Clover• 2 large group meetings so far and multiple individual ones!

LinkedIn – 55 Followers (see right for demographics!)

Twitter – 34 Followers in one month

A survey we posted has 23 responses from people in:

Wedding and portrait photography Market researchSoftware / web development InsuranceBusiness intelligence manager HealthcareHeadhunter/recruiting Mobile UX designConstruction Management BankingTrade compliance (import/export)Building science/solar salesExecutive/Life/Business CoachSystems Engineer in IT salesMedical managed careBusiness owner wholesale auto partsNewspaper/website

You, your organization and your company can assist us by:• Connecting with us on social media and sharing with other professionals.• Considering ways that you could be involved as a showcased artist, guest

speaker, business mentor, etc.• Offering discounts to our members for goods and services in the downtown area.• Becoming a one time or on-going sponsor of educational, professional

development, social events and other community programming (food and drink for events we will facilitate).

• Donating items towards the building upfit (items such as large and small appliances, monitors, security system, etc.)

• Providing donations or sponsorships to relieve the community overhead costs (such as the high cost of communications/internet services).

• Giving towards our scholarships for recent graduate/entrepreneur members.

Why should Fort Mill, the FMEC and local companies care?Because the presence of LOOM and its resources will:‐ Ease burden on and encourage start-ups‐ Increase Downtown Redevelopment and be a marketable

attraction for new residents‐ Bring the “creative class”, not just retail, into downtown‐ Effect the net out-flow and reliance on Charlotte‐ Give the FMEC Priority Investment District attention‐ Encourage small mobile businesses, which tend to set up

shop where they begin‐ Create community character and sense of place‐ Increase diversity of demographics (age, race, gender) and

industry‐ Create education, mentoring, cultural and arts opportunities‐ Support previous initiatives of involved organizations

www.meetup.com/LOOM‐Fort‐Mill‐Coworking‐Meetup/www.twitter.com/LOOMCoworking

www.facebook.com/LOOMCoworking/www.linkedin.com/company/loom‐coworking

We want LOOM,and the community of learners

and collaborators within,to become part of the fabric of Fort Mill.