Phew! Translation: This thing is actually going to happen, people!
The Space On Main went from a dream; to a discussion; to a collaboration with people from all over Vermont and New Hampshire; to a nonprofit with a kickass board; to being propped up by so many amazing mentors; to being a series of lessons in fundraising, finance, construction, community development, networking, (the list goes on).
And by the end of Summer 2018, it will be a place where people go to work, to network, to learn, to teach, to collaborate, etc.
It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is our goal to ensure prosperity of our community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
Visit thespaceonmain.org for more information.
Where We’re At
With recent donation and grant confirmations, we’re at $80,000 of our $100,000 launch goal. While we are still piecing together the rest, it looks like we have enough to move forward with construction, IT, security, software, furniture, and all of that good build-out stuff.
Where We’ve Been
- WIN 2016: An idea was shared and The Space was born.
- JAN 2017: The Space On Main, Inc. was officially incorporated.
- SPR 2017: I attended the Global Coworking Conference in NYC and toured coworking and makerspaces all over VT and NH.
- JUL 2017: The Space On Main received 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
- DEC 2017: We sent our first appeal letter which resulted in a $5,000 donation and a matching challenge of $20,000 from The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation. (Which resulted in, “This might just work.”)
- SPR 2018: We dove into outreach, floor layouts, fundraising, budgets, construction estimates, Fiber pricing, received several more grants, etc. (read: learned a bunch of new skills and met lots of awesome people).
- JUN 2017: We received a $25,000 Regional & Local Impact Opportunity Grant from Vermont Community Foundation as well as other generous funds from local donors, like you!
Upcoming Events: Business After Hours (July 18th 5:30-7:00pm)
Cohase Chamber of Commerce & Cohase Rotary Club are hosting a MEMBERS ONLY Business After Hours event (read: Happy Hour). This invitation is extended to anyone who applies for monthly membership to The Space. Head over to the site and fill out the application.
Kickstarter Campaign
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Kickstarter campaign. We are working with Tim Swaan of Cygnus Productions on the video and with area vendors for the various gift tiers. This will include swag, membership vouchers, VIP Launch Party tickets, exclusive private events, and more.
Opening Details
Right now *knock on wood*, we’re looking at a soft-opening for members by the end of August, followed by a VIP Launch Party and Grand Opening in early September. Keep an eye on emails and social media (FB, Twitter).
Apply for Membership
If you plan on being a monthly member, head to our site and fill out the application. No payment will be collected at this time (we’ll talk it over, sign an agreement, etc. before you’re ever charged).
Membership is not required for people who plan on renting rooms for events/classes, for people who opt just to pay for day passes, or for attendees of classes/events.
Teach Classes / Host Events – Let Us Know!
Are you planning to rent The Space’s classroom or conference room for classes and events? Or, are you hoping to volunteer your time and talents to teach classes to community members? We’ve set up an Instructor / Space Reservation form for you. You do not need to know specific dates at this time… it’s just to help us gather information and to coordinate a meeting with you.
Want to chat? Or a tour?
I am always happy to grab coffee and/or schedule a tour with interested members, instructors, community organizations, sponsors, donors, etc. Send an email, text 802-449-MAIN (6246), or reach out through Facebook.
Donate / Sponsor
Yes, we still need money… for the foreseeable future. You can make a general donation, set up a time to discuss sponsorship possibilities, or even drop me a tip about grant opportunities. As always, I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss any and all options.
Thank you so much for all or your support. More updates soon!
Monique Priestley
President & Founder, The Space On Main
thespaceonmain@gmail.com | 802-449-MAIN (6246)
Personal cell: (802) 222-1909
Made possible with crazy amounts of support from all of you as well as the following organizations:
To see the pretty MailChimp version: https://mailchi.mp/412c2381a5e3/space-on-main-update-0618
Ribbon Cutting Event to Launch The Space On Main
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bradford, VT 9/23/2018 – The Space On Main will be joined by Ted Brady (Deputy Secretary, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development), Samantha Sheehan (Owner & Executive Director of Valley.Works & Communications Manager of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility), and Erik Volk (Executive Director of the Cohase Chamber of Commerce) to commemorate the opening of its Main Street location with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Bradford. The dedication will take place on Friday, October 12th at 11:00am. Launch party tickets can be purchased for 6:30pm that night featuring food catered by Colatina Exit and music by DJ ShaR4.
The Space is a new nonprofit community-based coworking, maker, and gathering space fostering entrepreneurship, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The Space On Main, Inc. was founded in July 2017 and will be leasing the former Hill’s 5 & 10 building. Vin and Angela Wendell, of Colatina Exit, own the building and have completely renovated every aspect, totalling over $500,000. The Space On Main team has fundraised nearly $100,000 in the last 9 months to cover equipment, furniture, and build-out costs specific to its offerings.
It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is The Space On Main’s goal to ensure prosperity of the community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
The Space On Main’s startup funds have come from grants and donations by Vermont Community Fund, Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, Couch Family Foundation, Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, Odell Insurance Agency, Co-operative Insurance Companies, Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, Wells River Savings Bank, Copeland Furniture, Community Bank, All-Access Infotech, Alarmco, and amazing community members.
To sign up for membership, reserve space for events, provide monetary support, or for more information, visit www.thespaceonmain.org.
The Space On Main Receives Generous Donation from Copeland Furniture
The Space On Main is pleased to announce it has received a $10,000 furniture donation from Copeland Furniture. This donation will provide much needed support The Space On Main during its startup phase and for years to come.
The Space On Main is currently working to complete the rehabilitation and conversion of a much-loved historic building on Main Street in Bradford, Vermont that once held a “five and dime” store into a modern multipurpose community facility providing rooms of varying sizes and purposes designed to host coworking (office sharing), community networking events, hands-on Maker projects, conferences, meetings, training programs, social events, as well as educational classes for all demographics. Monique Priestley, President & Founder of The Space On Main said: “I started my research for what would soon be known as The Space by visiting with community members in local coffee shops, restaurants, workshops, and at their dining tables. People move here to get away from the city, for work, for a spouse’s work, or to help family. They are nervous about living here. They are struggling with slow internet speeds, a lack of networking opportunities, and a feeling of being disconnected. The Space will address these needs, fill our Main Street gap, and weave a network of partnerships throughout the region. This would not be possible without the incredible support of amazing people like Tim and Jenny Copeland.”
Tim Copeland, President of Copeland Furniture, in announcing the gift said: “Small town Main Streets all over the country have been in decline for many years. The exceptions are often towns were a civic minded group or an individual has had the vision and perseverance to step out and create something new. Jenny and I are betting that Monique’s Space On Main is a spark that brings new energy on Main Street, Bradford. We are pleased to play a small part in helping it happen.”
About The Space On Main (thespaceonmain.org)
The Space On Main is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies upon the generous support of individuals, philanthropic organizations, and businesses such as Copeland Furniture to provide their services. It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is The Space On Main’s goal to ensure prosperity of our community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
About Copeland Furniture (copelandfurniture.com)
Copeland Furniture has been producing wood products and furniture since 1976. They have gradually grown over the years from a one man shop to the largest employer in our small town of Bradford, Vermont. They remain a family owned and operated business committed to manufacturing high quality products in America.
For more information, please contact The Space On Main at (802) 449-MAIN (6246) or on the web at thespaceonmain.org.
Celebrate Intl Coworking
The Space On Main has released a new t-shirt to celebrate International Coworking Day on August 9, 2018! The Space On Main would like to thank the community all of their support with fundraising efforts so far. On International Coworking Day, and every day, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and community that is the essence of what coworking is.
To order your shirt (or any others), visit our store page and click on the image. You will be redirected to our online ordering through Teespring. A large portion of every sale comes back to The Space On Main as a donation.
Interested in coworking at The Space On Main, but haven’t filled out the application yet? No problem. You can do it now (there is no payment or obligation required at this time, but it will help us get the ball rolling)!
International Coworking Day is a day to celebrate coworking across the world. Coworking is much more than an office space where members gather to work. It is the collaborative spirit that develops when people are in proximity to each other every day. Coworking spaces are often inhabited by small companies, freelancers and remote workers who gather in an environment that is conducive to productivity and builds community.
Bridge Weekly Feature
“Monique Priestley’s ‘The Space On Main’ is shaping up to be an important commerce generator for the area. A recent Cohase Chamber tour revelead an exciting entrepreneurial adventure ahead!” Read more: Bernie’s Beat: Comments & Observations On Our Local Scene (Archive | 8/26/18 | Pages 1,4,7,17)
LaunchVT’s Connector
The Space On Main has been added to LaunchVT‘s Connector directory, an epically cool resource that filters organizations by the resource they provide to businesses. Check it out! https://connector.launchvt.com
The Stats on Co-Working
The Stats on Co-working Spaces Are Even Better Than What They Seem. Co-working spaces are creating prosperity for many more people than the entrepreneurs renting offices.
Co-working is often considered a millennial venture — strictly for those who are young, starting out and crave the unstructured work environment.
While co-working may have begun in this demographic, this is less and less true as co-working becomes increasingly popular. All kinds of workers are realizing they can have a flexible and diverse working environment without sacrificing the professionalism of the office.
As someone who has been in the game for a while now — we opened our first co-working space in 2010 — I have seen the change firsthand.
Each year, we survey our members to find out how we’re doing — and how they’re doing. This year’s survey came back with a clear message about the health of the co-working community. In short, co-working spaces are proving to be economic engines that produce prosperity for owners, employees and service providers alike. Below are some recent findings that shatter the perceptions of co-working spaces.
Not just for solo artists.
More and more, co-working is becoming group-oriented. It is a common misperception that co-working spaces are filled with solo entrepreneurs desperate for some social interaction. Our most recent member survey demonstrated that this is definitely not the case. Of those surveyed:
Co-workers are thriving and hiring.
Another co-working myth is that co-working members are small operations who intend to stay that way. Reality? Co-working spaces act as accelerators for business growth. The constant interaction with outside companies allows for natural networking opportunities, helping businesses find new clients, customers, talent and collaboration opportunities that fast-track growth. Out of our survey respondents, roughly 3/4 of employers and 1/3 of individuals expect to add new employees in 2018.
Co-working members are big spenders.
Co-working members contribute significantly to their local and regional economies by spending on business services internally with other members and with local restaurants and other businesses. At Fueled Collective specifically, nearly 40 percent of employer members reported spending money (cash or barter) in 2017 with other Fueled Collective members for services, with a median transaction amount of $5,000 to $9,999. Employers spent more money with companies outside of Fueled Collective, with a median spend of $50,000 to $99,999. More than 1/3 spent more than $100,000. Individual members also have an economic impact. More than 1/4 (29 percent) of them reported spending money (cash or barter) in 2017 with other Fueled Collective members for services, with a median transaction amount of $1,000 to $4,999.
Age of business.
As mentioned before, co-working is not just for the fresh-faced startup, as is a common perception. Members often include a considerable portion of experienced business owners. From our survey, among employer respondents:
Enterprise is making a showing in co-working.
Larger corporations are increasingly making use of co-working. Gone are the days of co-working spaces filled with companies you have never heard of. Corporations have been finding value in co-working spaces for different reasons, including improving recruitment efforts, lowering real estate costs, gaining flexibility and boosting employee satisfaction.
Article featured in Entrepreneur (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/314191)
By Don Ball, Co-Founder and Chief Social Officer of Fueled Collective
THE SPACE ON MAIN RECEIVES $8,000 GRANT FROM THE ARTHUR L. AND FRANCES P. HYDE FUND
The Space On Main is pleased to announce it has received an $8,000 grant from Arthur L. & Frances P. Hyde Fund (via Vermont Community Foundation). This donation has enabled The Space On Main to move ahead with buildout and construction of its future home which serves to ensure prosperity of Bradford and the greater Cohase Region.
The Space On Main is currently working to complete the rehabilitation and conversion of a much-loved historic building on Main Street in Bradford, Vermont that once held a “five and dime” store into a modern multipurpose community facility providing rooms of varying sizes and purposes designed to host coworking (office sharing), community networking events, hands-on Maker projects, conferences, meetings, training programs, social events, as well as educational classes for all demographics. Monique Priestley, President & Founder of The Space On Main said: “I started my research for what would soon be known as The Space by visiting with community members in local coffee shops, restaurants, workshops, and at their dining tables. People move here to get away from the city, for work, for a spouse’s work, or to help family. They are nervous about living here. They are struggling with slow internet speeds, a lack of networking opportunities, and a feeling of being disconnected. The Space will address these needs, fill our Main Street gap, and weave a network of partnerships throughout the region. The opening of The Space would not have been possible without the Arthur L. & Frances P. Hyde Fund’s support.”
About The Space On Main (thespaceonmain.org)
The Space On Main is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies upon the generous support of individuals, philanthropic organizations, and businesses such as the Arthur L. & Frances P. Hyde Fund to provide their services. It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is The Space On Main’s goal to ensure prosperity of our community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
For more information, please contact The Space On Main at (802) 449-MAIN (6246) or on the web at thespaceonmain.org.
The Space On Main Receives $25,000 Opportunity Grant from Vermont Community Foundation
The Space On Main is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 opportunity grant from Vermont Community Foundation. This donation has enabled The Space On Main to move ahead with buildout and construction of its future home which serves to ensure prosperity of Bradford and the greater Cohase Region.
The Space On Main is currently working to complete the rehabilitation and conversion of a much-loved historic building on Main Street in Bradford, Vermont that once held a “five and dime” store into a modern multipurpose community facility providing rooms of varying sizes and purposes designed to host coworking (office sharing), community networking events, hands-on Maker projects, conferences, meetings, training programs, social events, as well as educational classes for all demographics. Monique Priestley, President & Founder of The Space On Main said: “I started my research for what would soon be known as The Space by visiting with community members in local coffee shops, restaurants, workshops, and at their dining tables. People move here to get away from the city, for work, for a spouse’s work, or to help family. They are nervous about living here. They are struggling with slow internet speeds, a lack of networking opportunities, and a feeling of being disconnected. The Space will address these needs, fill our Main Street gap, and weave a network of partnerships throughout the region. The opening of The Space would not have been possible without Vermont Community Foundation’s support.”
The Vermont Community Foundation inspires giving and brings people and resources together to make a difference in Vermont. A family of hundreds of funds and foundations, we provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise that make it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The heart of the Vermont Community Foundation’s work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. They are aligning our time, energy, and discretionary resources on efforts that provide access to early care and learning, pathways to college and career training, support for youth and families, and community and economic vitality. They envision Vermont at its best—where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright, secure future.
About The Space On Main (thespaceonmain.org)
The Space On Main is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies upon the generous support of individuals, philanthropic organizations, and businesses such as Vermont Community Foundation to provide their services. It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is The Space On Main’s goal to ensure prosperity of our community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
About Vermont Community Foundation (vermontcf.org)
The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as a permanent source of support for the state. They are a family of hundreds of funds and foundations created by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. We provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise to make your giving easy and inspiring. Together, their funds and programs provide more than $12 million a year in grants in Vermont and beyond.
For more information, please contact The Space On Main at (802) 449-MAIN (6246) or on the web at thespaceonmain.org.
June 2018 Newsletter
Phew! Translation: This thing is actually going to happen, people!
The Space On Main went from a dream; to a discussion; to a collaboration with people from all over Vermont and New Hampshire; to a nonprofit with a kickass board; to being propped up by so many amazing mentors; to being a series of lessons in fundraising, finance, construction, community development, networking, (the list goes on).
And by the end of Summer 2018, it will be a place where people go to work, to network, to learn, to teach, to collaborate, etc.
It is the mission of The Space on Main to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts, education, health, and recreation in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in the Cohase Region of Vermont and New Hampshire by providing a creative facility with access to affordable equipment, work spaces, and classes. It is our goal to ensure prosperity of our community by leveraging talent in the region by creating pathways to outside individuals, services, and technologies.
Visit thespaceonmain.org for more information.
Where We’re At
With recent donation and grant confirmations, we’re at $80,000 of our $100,000 launch goal. While we are still piecing together the rest, it looks like we have enough to move forward with construction, IT, security, software, furniture, and all of that good build-out stuff.
Where We’ve Been
Upcoming Events: Business After Hours (July 18th 5:30-7:00pm)
Cohase Chamber of Commerce & Cohase Rotary Club are hosting a MEMBERS ONLY Business After Hours event (read: Happy Hour). This invitation is extended to anyone who applies for monthly membership to The Space. Head over to the site and fill out the application.
Kickstarter Campaign
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Kickstarter campaign. We are working with Tim Swaan of Cygnus Productions on the video and with area vendors for the various gift tiers. This will include swag, membership vouchers, VIP Launch Party tickets, exclusive private events, and more.
Opening Details
Right now *knock on wood*, we’re looking at a soft-opening for members by the end of August, followed by a VIP Launch Party and Grand Opening in early September. Keep an eye on emails and social media (FB, Twitter).
Apply for Membership
If you plan on being a monthly member, head to our site and fill out the application. No payment will be collected at this time (we’ll talk it over, sign an agreement, etc. before you’re ever charged).
Membership is not required for people who plan on renting rooms for events/classes, for people who opt just to pay for day passes, or for attendees of classes/events.
Teach Classes / Host Events – Let Us Know!
Are you planning to rent The Space’s classroom or conference room for classes and events? Or, are you hoping to volunteer your time and talents to teach classes to community members? We’ve set up an Instructor / Space Reservation form for you. You do not need to know specific dates at this time… it’s just to help us gather information and to coordinate a meeting with you.
Want to chat? Or a tour?
I am always happy to grab coffee and/or schedule a tour with interested members, instructors, community organizations, sponsors, donors, etc. Send an email, text 802-449-MAIN (6246), or reach out through Facebook.
Donate / Sponsor
Yes, we still need money… for the foreseeable future. You can make a general donation, set up a time to discuss sponsorship possibilities, or even drop me a tip about grant opportunities. As always, I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss any and all options.
Thank you so much for all or your support. More updates soon!
Monique Priestley
President & Founder, The Space On Main
thespaceonmain@gmail.com | 802-449-MAIN (6246)
Personal cell: (802) 222-1909
Made possible with crazy amounts of support from all of you as well as the following organizations:
To see the pretty MailChimp version: https://mailchi.mp/412c2381a5e3/space-on-main-update-0618
Things Are Heating Up!
This week we received confirmation of an additional $33,000 of funds committed to The Space On Main! With this, we have edged over 80% of our launch goal with no signs of letting up anytime soon! A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated so far. And special thanks to our major contributors: The Vermont Community Foundation, The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, The Couch Family Foundation, Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, Odell Insurance Agency, Co-operative Insurance Companies, Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, and Wells River Savings Bank. Visit https://buff.ly/2JMsT2i for more information. If you haven’t jumped on to the newsletter list, do so now, ’cause there are special announcements headed out soon!