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4.1.4 Implement co-worklng spau and potmtial 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 die 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-wQrking 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 continwng 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