Cultivating a community of thinkers and doers has been proven to be the best way to create a successful startup ecosystem. But with Detroit’s lack of innovation since their financial collapse in 2013, cooperation amongst the entrepreneurs and existing companies has been difficult to find. Fortunately, there is one coworking space that is going above and beyond the call of duty to create a collaborative environment in the Detroit area.
The Back Office Studio is a Ypsilanti, MI-based coworking space that supports the growth and expansion of startup businesses. The goal is to help these startups to develop into second stage businesses that can contribute to the recovery of the Detroit and Michigan regions. By creating a place to build businesses in Ypsilanti, The Back Office Studio has created an inherent stomping ground for the future companies of the world.
“We seek to build a community of positive energies for creating our great futures,” says the mission on The Back Office Studio website.
In order to guarantee the local focus of the companies mission statement, The Back Office Studio has set up shop in a prominent historical building, formerly known as Pub 13 and the Spaghetti Bender. This move was designed to keep entrepreneurs with global ideas grounded in the community that is facilitating their growth. You can’t forget where you came from and The Back Office Studio aims to drive that message home.
The Back Office Studio prides itself on being more than just a coworking space. Yes, they provide dynamic locations for entrepreneurs and freelancers to get work done in a collaborative and effective way. But they also aim to meet the economic, social and even psychological needs of business leaders in the community.
“The BOS fosters positive relationships,” says Wayne Millette, cofounder of The Back Offie Studio, in a statement to Tech.Co. “Not just within its own business network but also by proactively contributing to promote, advocate and serve in the Ypsilanti community as a responsibility.”
The Back Office Studio is taking their “more than a coworking space” model seriously. Within the first year, they plan to launch 6 entrepreneurial venture growth programs that will offer local startups a chance to get the funding they require. Similarly, the BOS Talent Bench will be put in place in order to provide businesses with strategic planning, human resources, marketing, sales, accounting, administration and communication resources. Most importantly, The Back Office Studio will provide the greater Michigan area with the communal attitude it needs get itself out this economic downturn. And it couldn’t come at a better time.
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Photo: Flickr / Moseley Exchange
