THE SPACE ON MAIN RECEIVES $25,000 CHALLENGE GRANT FROM THE JACK & DOROTHY BYRNE FOUNDATION

The Space On Main is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 challenge grant from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation. The opening of The Space On Main will not be possible without the support of amazing organizations and individuals such as Dorothy Byrne and The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation.

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 Dorothy Byrne’s incredible support.”

With a check for $5,000, Dorothy Byrne, President of the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, wrote: “I am pleased to offer a modest contribution at this time and will offer a matching pledge of twenty thousand dollars, payable whenever you secure the funds. I can appreciate the need for such a facility. This is a need that exists in many New England towns. Congratulations on your efforts. I hope the community responds.” And the community responded in incredible ways.

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.

For more information, please contact The Space On Main at (802) 449-MAIN (6246) or on the web at thespaceonmain.org.