Russell Jurney suggested yesterday via Skribit that I write an article about "ATDC Sponsored Coworking Space" and it was quickly voted up as a popular topic.  So I gotta say something.

But before I do I need to point out something else.  This is my personal blog.  As it clearly states in the disclaimer in the lower right, the opinions expressed here are mine, not those of my employer.  You want the official ATDC word venture over to PeachSeedz.  Everything I say here does adhere to my personal values, which can be summed up in two words.  Be good. 

So with that out of the way, here goes.

ATDC has long been internally discussing offering something like coworking space. The drivers of this have been finding room for entrepreneurs when they are in the early stages of concept development as well as ventures that are not quite ATDC ready but need space.  Lay on top of this that ATDC embraces the social and collaborative aspects of the coworking process and is a non-profit focused on community it may be in a good position to foster coworking in Atlanta.  With a healthy mix of companies prepping to move beyond the physical confines of ATDC in the fall and some room opening up it seems like it may be time for action.

So with all this in mind I recently entrusted ATDC trusty graduate assistant and aspiring entrepreneur Blake Perdue to undertake a project to investigate the prospects of bringing coworking to ATDC.  He is in the early stages of this endeavor and I expect a recommendation from him some time next month on how ATDC may be able to play.   While I am going to make a few predictions on what may fall out of this, I am not going to predict if this is something that ATDC is going to do. Beyond me.  If it does happen I anticipate the following will be part of a plan.

As a state funded not for profit entity ATDC is not in a position to offer free space for coworking.  If you need to know why just do a quick search on the Georgia state budget crisis.  ATDC may be able to offer space at the same rates as those companies that are in the incubator program.  This pricing is heavily subsidized.  If ATDC were to set aside 1,500 square feet for a coworking type program we could offer space to about 15 FTEs at a cost that is typical of other coworking setups.  From what I know at the moment that runs from $240 to $400 a month per person.  If more is needed then I would encourage the community to seek additional sponsorship. 

ATDC will remain true to its roots of helping Georgia technology entrepreneurs.  Whatever happens will be focused on helping startups, not the broader work-at-home professional and independent contractor class that coworking targets.

Like the ATDC incubator program I would guess that it would limit the time that an individual could participate in the coworking program to rotate the participants and offer more opportunity to a broader group.

The facility would only be available during normal office hours and participants would need to arrange for their own public transportation or parking.

That’s it.  Again this is something ATDC has under study.  If you are interested in helping to make this a reality I encourage you to reach out and work with Blake on a plan that will work for all.

And if you need some space before we get this all figured out I encourage you to make use of the Entrepreneurs Resource Center.  It is on the first floor of Centergy.  Can accommodate about 10 people.  And it’s free.

And if you care to discuss here, please do.  Just be good.