John Himics is no stranger to co-working. Companies and contractors, who pay monthly and sometimes daily fees, share meeting room and certain services, such as Wi-Fi and a kitchen. They’re separate businesses; however, there are often synergies that encourage collaboration.
Himics’ company, First Ascent Design, which handles digital marketing and branding for small- and medium-sized businesses, started in the CoIN Loft, one of the state’s first co-working communities. Now known as The Loft, it’s operated by Start It Up Delaware. First Ascent then moved to The Mill when that co-working community opened in 2016. First Ascent has also worked with 1313 Innovation in Hercules Plaza.
“We wouldn’t have been able to grow our business as quickly as we have without the support and networking we’ve built from CoIN, 1313 and The Mill,” he maintains. “We’re always meeting new people that come through the space for meetings or events. It’s exposure you don’t get at home or in a coffee shop.”
More options are on the way. In April, DuPont, the University of Delaware and Gov. John Carney’s administration announced plans for the Delaware Innovation Space, a 100,000-square-foot incubator for early stage, science-based startups. A summer opening is planned in DuPont’s Experimental Station in Alapocas.
Here are a few existing operations to consider:
1313 Innovation
1313 N. Market St.
Hercules Plaza
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-407-0420
1313innovation.com
Ranges from $10 (day pass) to $500-plus a month (private office). Founded in 2014, this sleek 2,500-square-foot co-working space has a presentation room with a digital projector, 3D printers and robotic tools.
Emerging Enterprise Center
12 Penns Way
New Castle, DE 19720
302-294-2056
eeincubator.com
(You must apply and be accepted.)
Spearheaded by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the EEC is a nonprofit with affordable office space for startups.
The Loft
Start It Up Delaware
605 N. Market St., 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-660-2402
startitupde.org/our-space
Ranges from $50 (five days a month) to $350 per month (unlimited access 24/7). The Loft has Wi-Fi, printer access and a conference room.
The Mill
1007 N. Orange St., 4th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-751-MILL
themillspace.com
Ranges from $45 (flexible access)–$1,200 (private office) a month. The Mill can accommodate freelancers who just want a desk and small businesses of 10 or fewer employees.
Middletown Business Incubator & Collaborative Workspace
402 N. Cass St.
Middletown, DE 19709
302-378-7545
www.mbide.com
Facility incubator in a 3,300-square-foot facility designed to accommodate approximately 10–15 businesses. Facilities include conference rooms, a break room, storage, offices, mail and copier services. Services include helping entrepreneurs develop a business plan and move to business startup, one-to-one coaching and mentoring and assistance obtaining capital. Application needed for membership.
