Coworking: More Than Workspace

Un-lonely colleagues in coworking Arlington Heights, IL 25N shared office space

Coworking has some *obvious* perks. You know, the top drawer ones you use so often you almost forget how great they are: fresh roasted coffee on demand, flexible terms, interiors designed for productivity, and the lack of a laundry pile right next to your office desk, among others.

But coworking has some subtler resources too. These are the powerful intangibles of a suburban, community-focused workspace that your local turnkey office suite just can’t provide.

Let us name our top 5:

1. Inbuilt Networking Opportunities (Creative Collisions)

Creative Collisions: Speed Networking @ 25N corporate gatherings in Arlington Heights

Much of networking in a coworking space happens by nature of the fact that you get to work shoulder-to-shoulder with potential collaborators every day. Still, we like to make sure there are guaranteed opportunities, too. Creative Collisions: Speed Networking is one of those. Open to members and the public, this is our way to help our community members make meaningful, lasting business connections with others. Only, it doesn’t take 2 hours of your day. So bring your best 90-second business pitch and join us on the last Wednesday of every month.

2. Our Version of Shark Tank (Think Tank)

Think Tank is a community phenom. This dynamic group has been helping 25N members across the nation — as well as the public — dream up, hone, and launch their ideas for 5 years running. We like to think of it as “Shark Tank”, but without the teeth. Gathering virtually every Friday, this collaborative group is facilitated by Tess Bondavalli and focuses on a topic brought by that week’s Spotlight Seat presenter (which could be you!). In the past, we’ve helped people pivot their careers, launch books, tell digital stories, overcome small business hiring hurdles, develop brand strategies, and more. It’s also a great way to network by getting your expertise out in front of your fellow community members. Learn more about how to attend or get your idea featured here.

3. The Small Business Development Center of Illinois (Geneva Members)

In April of 2020, when everything hit the fan for small business owners in our Geneva membership community, Harriet and Andy Parker — business experts at the Waubonsee Small Business Development Center — took immediate action. They hosted back to back workshops on contingency planning for business owners and for those looking to apply for SBA and PPP loans. They sat with anxious, determined community members in free 1–1 workshops as they sought a way forward during what, for many, was the biggest professional challenge they had ever faced. Then, and now, Harriet and Andy offer top-tier mentorship and coaching to members of 25N. Learn more about the SBDC here. Members can sign up for complimentary coaching by getting in touch with your onsite Community Manager.

4. SCORE Business Mentoring (Arlington Heights Members)

In partnership with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, SCORE offers a panel of mentors and business coaches with complimentary onsite sessions in our Arlington Heights location. Consider it your personal board of directors. Sessions are offered on the 2nd and 4th Monday at 8am. Members may contact their Community Manager for next steps and to claim a personal appointment.

5. Club 25N Perks (included in all workspace memberships & available to the public)

Club 25N is fun like Fight Club, only you’re allowed to talk about it. It comes with five main perks:
1) Ability to host 2 events per year in our space — for free! This is a total of 3 hours that you can use to promote your brand with a workshop, seminar, product launch, air guitar championship, etc. Get the details and limitations by (you guessed it) chatting with your CM.
2) Discounted, member pricing on meeting room bookings (that’s up to 20% off).
3) Your photo and business card on our member wall.
4) Invitation to all of our member-exclusive networking and social events.
5) Access to 25N insiders’ Slack app and messaging channel.

Happy Coworking!