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4.1.4 Implement co-working space and potential makers space. <br />Co-working spaces have moved from what some might consider a fad into a full-blown national <br />trend with over 80%growth in available spaces during the past two years.According to the <br />Commercial Real Estate Development Association report:Between 2005 and 2014 the number <br />of co-working spaces has gone from 1 to 781.Deskmag monitors co-working spaces nationally <br />and cites that 60%of existing co-working spaces will expand in 2015,4.5 new co-working <br />spaces are created each day,and 245 people become members globally each day. <br />Ellensburg has multiple opportunities to capitalize on this growth while building on partnerships <br />within the Chamber of Commerce,with Central Washington University,and even with the <br />creative community that thrives in Ellensburg and Kittitas County. <br />Before delving into the specific recommendations,it is important to begin to define how each of <br />these spaces work,as semantics can sometimes get in the way of truly understanding the purpose <br />of these new models for the workplace environment.It is also important to know that,although <br />their definitions are provided below,the fluidity within which they can function in a space is as <br />creative as the very ideas themselves. <br />Co-working spaces provide a place for individuals or small companies to work in a shared <br />environment.Companies can interact with one another in informal ways,form collaborations,or <br />simply share in the creative atmosphere of the space.Co-working spaces may host events and <br />activities,but rarely provide formal business coaching.Such spaces provide conferencing <br />capabilities,shared printers,a kitchen,restrooms,and most importantly high speed internet <br />access. <br />Incubator spaces are also places where businesses co-habitate as well.A key difference between <br />co-working and incubator spaces is the level of support provided to grow businesses.These <br />spaces frequently have a higher education partner that is helping to cultivate and coach <br />businesses toward success.Many incubators have the desire to "graduate"businesses from the <br />space.There is already an incubator space in Ellensburg,so this approach may not be the most <br />appropriate for downtown,although the trend is continuing to evolve into other kinds of <br />incubators. <br />Accelerator spaces provide a structured way to "graduate"companies,often within a specified <br />period of time.Usually,accelerator spaces receive significant support from venture capital that is <br />directly investing in the start-ups.The goals of an accelerator is to "spin out"successful <br />ventures.These spaces tend to gravitate around like businesses that have collaborative <br />capabilities. <br />Makerspaces are physical locations where people gather to share resources and knowledge. <br />Unlike the spaces described above,makerspaces focus on projects and fabrication.Consequently, <br />makerspaces provide tools and facilities for the makers.While experts or higher education- <br />affiliated advisors might be available,makers frequently get help from other users.These spaces <br />began to be associated with fields such as engineering,fabrication,computer science,and <br />graphic design.Many makerspaces have higher education partnerships who desire to create an <br />29