New Co-working Space Seeks ‘Parent-preneur’ Scholarship Applications

HADLEY — With the grand opening approaching for Cultivate and Nest, an innovative co-office space in Hadley that incorporates on-site child care, local entrepreneur Terra Missildine has designed a scholarship contest for what she calls ‘parent-preneurs,’ or parents who are entrepreneurs.

The winner of the contest will be granted a six-month membership to the co-office space; the nominee will be revealed at the grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 13. Missildine, the founder of Cultivate and Nest, plans to continue accepting nominations until Monday, Feb. 8.

Individuals must be nominated in writing by someone other than themselves. Nominations should be e-mailed to [email protected], and each must include a description of the individual, why they need the membership, and why they deserve the opportunity.

The cluster of offices dedicated to Cultivate and Nest are located on the first floor in the Hadley Crossing business park, with 1,650 square feet dedicated to Cultivate and Nest members. There is space for four dedicated desks with other work areas that will be rented on a ‘use as you need’ basis. Members will pay in cost tiers that range from $100 to $600 per month, depending on amenities and level of office access.

The grand opening will be held in the space in an all-day event on Feb. 13 that will also mark the 10th anniversary of Beloved Earth, the green cleaning business Missildine owns with her husband, David. Networking events will be held at 9 a.m., and the Beloved Earth celebration will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.

The grand opening event is co-sponsored by the Missildines and Lydia Irons, owner of the Flexible Farmer massage company and a Cultivate and Nest member.

Children are encouraged to attend the event. The ‘kid’s space’ at Cultivate and Nest will be staffed that day by an early-childhood care specialist, who will be available going forward from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so members and clients alike can bring their children to work.

Missildine explained that the idea to develop Cultivate and Nest came to her more than two years ago as a way to build a support system for working parents. “You shouldn’t have to choose between growing your business and being a great parent.”

Contest nominees will also have the chance to win other prizes, including an invitation to share their business story on the Cultivate podcast and website, and free day passes. In addition to the scholarship contest, Cultivate and Nest is offering charter pricing on memberships until the grand opening on Feb. 13. New members also have the opportunity to gift a free membership to anyone they choose, provided they are a good fit for the Cultivate community.