Coworking Space Launches Business Accelerator
(photo courtesy of Level Two Coworking)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA coworking space in Hendricks County is looking to further grow the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Level Two Coworking, which is located at The Shops at Perry Crossing in Plainfield, has launched a business accelerator designed to help new startups and existing small businesses get on the “right track.” John Anderson, executive director of Level Two, says the accelerator was born out of the number of new businesses that have opened as a result of the pandemic “either out of necessity or just because somebody just wanted to try something to fill a need.”
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Anderson said they want to help new businesses in and around Hendricks County succeed.
“We know once a business gets to a couple years old, they’re more likely to succeed; those early businesses really struggle,” said Anderson. “So, we’re trying to get the newer businesses off on a strong footing and if there’s a current business that’s trying to pivot, we’re trying to give them the tools that they need to succeed. So basically, what we’re trying to do is help entrepreneurs and business startups succeed by giving them resources early on.”
The eight-week accelerator will feature classes covering a range of topics, such as how to create a business plan, do market research, do cash flow planning, and creating a marketing plan, among others. The first cohort will include 10 participants and take place over the summer.
Anderson says having a program like the accelerator in place is important for entrepreneurs who aren’t sure how to navigate the business landscape.
“If you look at why businesses fail, a lot of the reasons are there’s not enough resources available to that business,” he said. “Well, in my position, I know that there are a lot of resources available; it’s just hard to find or they can’t find it or they’re not looking in the right places. So, if we can provide them the right resources that they need, access to the right organizations, then they’re more likely to succeed.”
He adds having a cohort of entrepreneurs can also create a support group that can help each other.
“They’re more likely to stay together, communicate with one another so they can talk about the trials and hardships of running a business, especially early on. And they might be able to give each other some feedback and act as a mastermind group with each other. So, I think the community of support and allowing them to see the resources is very important to give them a strong foundation as they grow their business.”
Level Two Coworking has also launched an electronic survey to gather feedback from the community’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Anderson says the goal is to find out what the coworking space, and local governments, can provide to support the business community.
“A lot of small business owners and entrepreneurs feel like they’re alone out there. So, if they can get their voices heard, we might be able to help them by providing the resources that they need to get their businesses to the next level.”
You can connect to the survey by clicking here.
Anderson says they want to help new businesses in and around Hendricks County succeed.
