Chamber of Greater Easthampton Officially Opens WorkHub on Union

EASTHAMPTON — At a ribbon cutting and open house last week, the Chamber of Greater Easthampton officially opened the doors to its WorkHub on Union co-working space at 33 Union St., Easthampton. The opening followed four years of analysis, collaboration, and fundraising, and will provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Easthampton region.

WorkHub on Union is intended to be an innovative and inspiring environment where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small-business owners can converge and thrive, offering support and services to local professionals, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and stimulating economic development in the community.

In addition to offering a dynamic and flexible workspace, the project, which received both public and private funding, will provide access to mentorship programs, networking events, educational programming, and other support services from the chamber designed to accelerate the growth of startups and small businesses.

“The fact that we could bring together dozens of partners at both the state and local levels, raising nearly $500,000 to bring this project to fruition, is a clear indication of the value WorkHub on Union will bring to our community and the local economy,” said Moe Belliveau, the chamber’s executive director.

In 2020, the chamber partnered with the city of Easthampton to undertake an extensive analysis of the city’s economic climate relative to entrepreneurialism and innovation. This analysis revealed that businesses would choose to locate or relocate in Easthampton if a supportive entrepreneurial community could be better enhanced and marketed. The analysis also showed that there are more than 13,000 companies in the region that are less than a year old, many of which have no employees and operate from a kitchen table. Over the past three decades, these types of companies have created an average of 1.5 million jobs per year.

The study went on to say, “it’s simple: the more contacts entrepreneurs can make early in the life of their companies — that is, the more help and information they can access — the greater their chances of getting products developed, finding viable markets, surviving the first years, and growing toward success.” From this information, the vision for WorkHub on Union was born.

“Led by our local general-contracting partner, Five Star Building Corp., our economic- and community-development vision was to take our existing building at 33 Union Street, redesign the space, reimagine its use, and renovate its interior to create a unique co-working space which will serve our community now and well into the future,” Belliveau said. “We are so proud to see the culmination of our strategic thinking, fundraising efforts, manpower, commitment, and blood, sweat, and tears.”

WorkHub on Union features flexible membership options on full, half, and hot desks, as well as day passes with virtual office options expected to be available in the future. All memberships include amenities such as 24-hour key-fob access; high-speed internet; a fully equipped conference room; lounge area with complimentary coffee, tea, and water; a private telephone area; access to photocopying, printing, and scanning; professional cleaning service; and on- and off-street parking.

Members of the chamber will receive a discount as a benefit of their chamber membership. The space will continue to house the headquarters of the chamber to create a more synergistic environment.