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Coming Up: Techstars Startup Weekend February 7th to 9th 2020
November 19, 2019 (Schenectady, NY) More than 40 businesses are utilizing URBAN CO-WORKS as their primary or secondary office and increasingly, many other organizations use the innovative space for meetings and events throughout the year.
“Demand for affordable, flexible office options has continued to grow at a steady pace since we acquired and rebranded the business,” said Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works. “Over the past three years we have grown from five businesses to well over 40.”
According to the 2019 Global Coworking Survey conducted by Deskmag, there were 18,700 coworking spaces worldwide in 2018 and that number is expected to exceed 26,300 by 2020.
Goronkin said, “Our 23,000 square foot coworking space plays a critical role in supporting local economic development initiatives by providing companies affordable and highly flexible office options. We can support small teams with just a few people or larger teams that can have 10 or more employees.”
Urban Co-Works has a variety of options including open seating, dedicated desks and private offices. All membership levels include a host of amenities such as free printing, high speed internet, beverage counter and more.
Businesses that have joined Urban Co-Works span a variety of industries including health care, energy, marketing, esports, game design and more. Sam Sylvetsky, CEO of Biowaste Pyrolysis Solutions, a company that provides wastewater treatment facilities the technology to transform waste into energy said, “Our company originally joined Urban Co-Works as a part-time member in 2017. Since then, our operations in Schenectady have grown, leading us to a full-time membership and occupying private offices for our employees. Urban Co-Works has provided us the flexibility to expand our operations in Schenectady without having to commit to too much space up front.”
Monroe Plan for Medical Care is based in Rochester, New York and provides health home care coordination services in western and central New York. The company is expanding its services to the Capital Region and has opened an office at Urban Co-Works for their Schenectady-based employees. Donna Crane, Manager Home Health Operations said, “Renting space at Urban Co-Works has supplied us with a stable location that provides a healthy and welcoming site to begin our journey to deliver needed services in the Albany region.”
Another company joining the Urban Co-Works community is 29 Design Studio, also based in Rochester, NY. The company has a team of designers, marketers and strategists who work together to create smart branding solutions for clients. Maureen Ballatori, the company’s founder and CEO said, “Coworking is a business model we whole-heartedly believe in. It allows us to hire talent for 29 Design Studio from virtually anywhere and still give them access to an office environment that helps them thrive.”
“Urban Co-Works has proven itself to be a great addition to our community by bringing more jobs and lots of entrepreneurial energy to Downtown Schenectady. We thank Jeff and his team for creating a great launch site for growing businesses,” said Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.
Coworking as a concept provides members with benefits to help them connect with others and drive more revenue for their business. Earlier this year, Urban Co-Works completed an impact report that showed:
- 78% of members have higher productivity while working at Urban Co-Works
- 73% of members have provided connections and other resources to other members
- 64% of members have conducted business with other Urban Co-Works members
- 76% of members dine in Schenectady each month
- 55% of members come to Schenectady one or more times each month for entertainment
More information about the impact study can be found at: https://www.urbancoworks.com/impact
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Urban Co-Works, in partnership with IgniteU, Innovate 518, In Focus Brands and CampusPro, is bringing Techstars Startup Weekend to Schenectady, NY in February 2020.
Students, executives, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship will gather at Urban Co-Works on February 7, 2020 for the kick-off of Techstars Startup Weekend.
Robert Manasier, Entrepreneur-in-Residence of Innovate 518, UAlbany Innovation Center and CEO of InFocus Brands will be facilitating his 8th program in the region. Manasier said, “Startup Weekend is an immersive crash-course in entrepreneurship that is delivered over the span of three days. It’s a valuable experience for anyone interested in starting their own company.”
Participants will be able to test ideas, learn how to build a team, develop a business plan and learn about basic prototyping. They will network with other entrepreneurs and get opportunities to meet with business leaders to get feedback on their ventures.
“Entrepreneurship is growing in Schenectady and increasingly there are more resources available for anyone interested in starting a company.” said Manasier. “Business leaders will be donating their time throughout the weekend to mentor the startup teams and assist them with the development of their pitches. On Sunday the teams will present to three judges who will announce the winning teams.”
TECHSTARS STARTUP WEEKEND
PARTICIPANTS GATHER ON FRIDAY, COME UP WITH IDEA AND PITCH TO INVESTORS ON SUNDAY.
WHEN: February 7th, 8th and 9th
WHERE: URBAN CO-WORKS
433 State Street, 4th Floor
Schenectady, NY
BACKGROUND
Your idea in 54 hours
Do you have an idea you’d like to pursue or a problem you’d like to solve but don’t know where to start or who to start with?
Techstars Startup Weekend is the place to look for a team, create a prototype of your idea, validate your business idea, and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, all in one weekend.
What do you need to bring?
Lots of energy! You’ll pitch your own idea or listen to others, then vote on the most interesting ideas and form teams with diverse skill sets. You can come with friends, but you’ll get the full experience if you participate in separate teams. Remember, it’s all about the team.
Your idea should be something you have not previously worked on. The idea you pitch and the problem you set out to solve can span social, educational, financial, environmental, or other issues. Over the course of the weekend you’ll be challenged to create a prototype of your MVP, or minimum viable product, that fits the needs of your target customer. You’ll get feedback, iterate, and likely pivot your approach entirely!
REGISTRATION: http://communities.techstars.com/usa/saratoga/startup-weekend/15065
About URBAN CO-WORKS
URBAN CO-WORKS is the premier office environment for startups, non-profits, and other companies with one or more employees. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, NY, the industrial-chic co-working space is steps away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, and entertainment in the Capital Region. At URBAN CO-WORKS, members make valuable connections, participate in events, and stretch their dollars in an all-inclusive office setting. Free Wi-Fi, utilities, conference rooms, printing and a host of other amenities are included in the low monthly fees. For more information and to schedule a tour please visit: www.urbancoworks.com.