Cowork Incubators Foster Start-Ups and Fill Vacant Spaces Downtown

May 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Cowork spaces of various sizes and configurations are springing up across the nation. Coworking provides brainstorming and networking opportunities, office space to the self employed, and affordable infrastructure for small start-up companies with few employees.

Cowork incubators also provide an opportunity for downtown development organizations and downtown property owners to fill vacant buildings and enliven downtown streets.

An article in the May issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange" newsletter provides case studies of three downtown cowork spaces including one run by Downtown Vision Inc., an improvement district in Jacksonville, FL.

When DVI launched an incubator for artists called "Off the Grid," the phone started to ring.
"Architects, web designers, and freelancers of all kinds needing office space called to ask if they could apply," says Pamela Nix Elms, director of marketing.

Details on the Jacksonville experience and programs in Zeeland, MI, and New Haven, CT, are in the May issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange."

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About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential "Downtown Idea Exchange" and "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com