New Graduates: the Spaceworks Training Program

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The latest round of Spaceworks participants in conversation with a panel of Spaceworks alumni including (from left) Darcy Anderson of Tinkertopia, Alison Bryan of Modern Cottage Company, JD Elquist of The Elquists, Dion Thomas of the Gallery of Ambition, and Taylor Woodruff of Grit City Grindhouse.

There was electricity in the air on the final night of the Spaceworks Creative Enterprise Training Program!

First, the latest round of participants to join Spaceworks presented their innovative project ideas.  In lighting fast 3 minute presentations they each gave an overview of their business model, strategy, and philosophy.  Great ideas were resonating throughout the room.  Many participants had exciting news about their store’s GRAND OPENINGS, lease signings, potential leads on spaces, plus two projects that were able to lease their own space without Spaceworks’ help.

Next, Spaceworks steering committee member David Schroedel facilitated a panel discussion withSpaceworks alumni including Darcy Anderson of Tinkertopia, Alison Bryan of Modern Cottage Company, JD Elquist of The Elquists, Dion Thomas of the Gallery of Ambition, and Taylor Woodruff of Grit City Grindhouse.  The conversation bounced from the small business landscape in Tacoma, to meeting your clients needs, to operating a business in partnership with close friends or spouses.  The advice offered was professional, heartfelt, and no doubt invaluable for the new participants.

The Creative Enterprise Training Program includes seven classes covering the following topics: business plans, leasing retail space, pricing your products, marketing, professional presentation, financial management, and operating a business in the City of Tacoma and WA State. The program provides participants with the tools, resources and support they need to produce a successful Spaceworks project, as well as build community through peer support and exchange. If applicable, the goal is to see these projects become lease paying tenants and live past their 6-months “free rent” from Spaceworks.

For questions about the Creative Enterprise Training Program please contact Spaceworks Manager Heather Joy at heatherj@tacomachamber.org or call 253-682-1722.

For questions regarding the application process for becoming a Spaceworks participant, please click here.