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.

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton announced a significant contribution of $50,000 from Sourcepass towards its ambitious co-workspace project, WorkHub on Union. The donation will support the development of a vibrant and collaborative co-working space, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Easthampton region.

“We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and are thrilled to support the Chamber and the WorkHub on Union project,” said Dave Del Vecchio, vice president of Marketing & Communications for Sourcepass. “This partnership aligns with our mission to provide meaningful resources and opportunities for individuals to realize their business goals. We look forward to working closely with the chamber and contributing to the success of the local business community.”

WorkHub on Union aims to create an innovative and inspiring environment where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small-business owners can thrive. Through this partnership with Sourcepass, the Chamber of Greater Easthampton will be able to enhance the support and services offered to local professionals, fostering growth and stimulating economic development in the community.

“We are immensely grateful for Sourcepass’s generous contribution toward our WorkHub on Union initiative,” said Moe Belliveau, executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton. “This donation is an incredible first step towards the required funding that will enable us to provide professional workspace, as well as essential resources and entrepreneurial training, to individuals and small businesses, empowering them to succeed in today’s competitive market.”

Sourcepass, a leading technology company, is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and shares the chamber’s vision of supporting local businesses and driving economic growth in the Greater Easthampton area.

“By joining forces, the chamber and Sourcepass will work hand in hand to create an ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and offers an array of valuable services to aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike,” Del Vecchio said.

In addition to offering a dynamic and flexible workspace, WorkHub on Union will provide access to mentorship programs, networking events, educational programming, and other support services designed to accelerate the growth of startups and small business. Through this collaboration, the Chamber of Greater Easthampton and Sourcepass aim to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and establish the Greater Easthampton region as a hub for business excellence.