Coworking spaces, privately-owned collaborative work spaces, have popped up around the country over the last 10 years enabled by technology and the growth of remote work. Coworking spaces build community and connection for early-stage entrepreneurs, free-lancers, and remote workers. These spaces foster dreaming, sharing, iteration, and risk-taking through their energy, density of people, and community-building activities.

In addition, coworking spaces are at the nexus of multiple areas of economic strategy – they are among the amenities that can be offered to tourists, they serve as a hub of information and community for remote workers, and they serve as a signal to entrepreneurs and new businesses that a community understands the value of connection.

The Coworking Development Fund and accompanying program will support the success of these spaces by providing financial assistance and opportunity for collaboration and connection between and among Maine’s coworking spaces.

DECD’s Office of Business Development is seeking to partner with collaborative workspace businesses who are serving key roles in their local communities. We are now accepting applications for award of grants from the Maine Coworking Development Fund as defined in statute and outlined in the award guidelines document.

 

Important Dates:

Event Name	Event Date and Time
Grant Announcement Released	September 3, 2019
Coworking Convening	September 13, 2019
Questions Accepted and Answers Posted	September 3-October 1, 2019
Application deadline	October 25, 2019 (5 PM timestamp)
Award Decisions Announced	Week of November 18-24 (in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week)
Anticipated contract start date	January 1, 2020

 

For more information, see the program guidelines

Coworking Development Fund FAQS

Presentation from September 13th convening

For more information contact Martha Bentley at martha.m.bentley@maine.gov