Pittsburgh New Business Co-op

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

Incubate new businesses and entrepreneurships and non-profits using a co-op and shared-space model

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

All of room 519

What is the idea?

• Incubate new businesses and entrepreneurships and non-profits
• Facilitate synergy/collaboration and use of resources from moving businesses
• Be a co-op and provide a physical space for businesses to come together

How would idea work?

• Shared physical space - no or low-rent offices for new businesses
• Small business advisory services (business plans, mktg, finance, insurance)
• Focus and emphasis on collaboration
• Grants for businesses in co-op to use each others' services
• Service element required for those involved

Pluses:

• Retains young entrepreneurs in region
• Encourages innovation
• Creates networks
• Attracts entrepreneurs to area
• Creates traffic
• Encourages dense urban development
• Encourages intersections of many disciplines

Concerns:

• Starting capital
• Risky

Community opportunities:

Business and community development