Co-working space aims to make an Impact

A NEW co-working space in the heart of Geelong will nurture, support and help build on the talented community of local businesses and social enterprise who are creating positive change locally and further afield.

The Impact Workshop opened this week in the Transport Accident building on Brougham Street, with the mission to build an arena to work, collaborate and get involved in creating a positive impact on the world.

A range of membership options are available, with significant discounts for not-for-profits and “purposeful” business.

There are full-time, part-time and hot desk memberships within the contemporary space which has 30 permanent desks, 16 hot desks, four meeting rooms and informal areas to collaborate, plus a chill-out lounge with bean bags to unwind.

Supported by Impact Investment Group (IIG) and managed by Sprout Ventures, the space is ready to welcome new and existing change-makers from a range of sectors.

Both IIG and Sprout Ventures are BCorp companies, a certification representing an emerging group of companies that are using the power of business to generate a shared and durable prosperity for all.

IIG chief impact officer Caroline Vu said Geelong was well-positioned to be a leader in Australia’s surge of social enterprise and impactful business, a trend that has been growing nationally over the past five years through businesses such as Thankyou Water and Who Gives A Crap.

“Geelong is thriving through an impressive growth period, and there’s so much inspiring work and innovation coming out of the city.”

Sprout Ventures director Bridie Ritchie said people went further and faster when they worked together.

She said The Impact Workshop was more than just an office, and was about bringing together a community of passionate changemakers.

“It’s a home for small to medium-sized business with big hearts and people with a mission bigger than themselves.”