F.A.Q.s

What is OurSpace, LLC?
OurSpace, LLC is a coworking space in Fort Wayne. Coworking? Does that have to do anything with Indiana cows and milk production! Nope! “(Coworking) is the physical equivalent of new media, as it gives like-minded, creative professionals an opportunity to collaborate outside of the isolation of a home office. The ability to share ideas and network in person instead of from behind a computer screen allows each professional the possibility to expand and grow their business.” – Jerome Chang, Blankspaces Founder (January 2010)

Is it is an office space? Or a community?
OurSpace, LLC is a workspace complete with desks and tables, Wi-fi and conference rooms. However, this workspace is not complete with creative, cool people. Remember Cheers the Boston Bar? Norm and the gang went for an after work drink, but they stayed for the relationships. The intent of OurSpace, LLC is to give individuals a space to work, and when a multitude of individuals work side-by-side independently, they will develop relationships that will help them in their seperate business tracks. For example, a children’s clothing designer, who comes to OurSpace, LLC to sew clothes and make connections, converses on a regular basis with a website designer, who comes to OurSpace, LLC to design sites and avoid the basement office. Within a month or so of dialouge, the artist informs the website designer, that they need a new site. So money is exchanged, and the artist has a great website. Does money need to exchange hands for the building of an authenic community? No. Advice and tips can be given for free.   Many of you join a gym for the equipment; OurSpace, LLC provides equipment and a community.

But I got secret information?

Each and every person who is a member at OurSpace, LLC signs an official document that states they will not take trade secrets from others, or their contracts will be terminated.   For those individuals worried about phone calls, you may utilize a conference room for that purpose.  As OurSpace, LLC expands, there will be the availability of private work rooms.

Who founded OurSpace, LLC? Why?
I, Jodi Dean, an Allen County native, a graduate of the University of Saint Francis, founded OurSpace, LLC. In the fall of 2007, I stopped by a friend’s office in downtown Fort Wayne to discuss a few things. While waiting on my friend to appear, I picked up the newspaper and read the business section. In the midst of the page, on that Friday afternoon, was a picture of Alex Hillman, the founder of Independents Hall. That article, changed my life that day, some call fate and others call it faith, I am just thankful that I discovered the article. Interestingly enough, several months before, there was a group of artistians who wanted a co-op downtown, yet they could not formulate a plan. And, a group of computer techs were looking at sharing an office space, and conducted a few jelly sessions. So, I knew there was some evidence that this would work.
The next year, life got in the way, and I interviewed for positions outside of Fort Wayne. Thus, I put the plans on hold, and decided to see if I would get live in a way cooler area such as San Francisco, CA or Bozeman, MT. Unfortunately, the jobs went to hometown poeple, and I stayed in Fort Wayne.
So in the fall of 2008, I developed my business plan, spoke to a number of people, looked at buildings, etc. A process that continues till today!
I believe Fort Wayne is ripe for a coworking space, as the area is reeling from manufacturing lay-offs, working hard to attract a number of hard-working, creative young people and redevloping downtown. In today’s gig economy, it is imperitive to help those individuals who are independents and entrepreneurs, in addition to the remote workers.

Who are coworkers?

Independent, creative individuals who wish to get projects completed. They are artists, consultants, accountants, technologists, writers, executives and others.

Truly, this is not my venture, it is a community, and if the community rallies around coworking in Fort Wayne, OurSpace, LLC will become  a suiccess. I am just thankful to lead it!

So Does It Really Work?

Yes  it does here is the  evidence.   It even works in the midwest, in places like Iowa and Michigan.

Support coworking in Fort Wayne!