Today we’d like to introduce you to Local Works.
We’re so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Lowcountry Local First developed Local Works in 2014 as a low-cost place for entrepreneurs to collaborate, co-create, and support other local business owners so that all can thrive. We value diversity of perspective, identity, and passion and believe we are all better when surrounded by a diverse array of lived experiences. We welcome you to Local Works.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We moved to our current space during the COVID pandemic, so that had its own unique challenges. We needed more space and some protection from flooding, which was a major headache at our old location. Our new space is larger, and needed to be completely upfitted, and as always we tried to source as much as possible from local businesses and makers.
We have been able to utilize local artists, builders, and designers in our new space. If you need to upfit or refit a new or existing location in the Lowcountry, reach out to us, we’d be happy to share our resources and experience with you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lowcountry Local First continues to fill a gap in the Lowcountry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by relocating and expanding Local Works, its open-sector coworking space that launched in 2014 and relocated in 2020, officially opening its doors again in January 2021. Local Works is a low cost, professional, open coworking space where local businesses can thrive in a creative and collaborative environment.
The 5,000+ square foot facility gives tenants a variety of opportunities to safely and productively work, from part-time coworking seats to various private offices that provide 24/7 access and dedicated space. Located within the Lumberyard development created by RCB Development, Local Works once again prioritized the utilization of local service providers, contractors, architect, craftspeople, artists, landscape artists and more. “This new space has once again been intentionally crafted to be a microcosmic view of the broader network of local businesses that Lowcountry Local First has cultivated over the last 14 years,” says the Director of Marketing and Communications for the organization, Jordan Amaker. “Thanks to partners like David Thompson Architect, RCB Development, and Carolina Services Inc. – Local Works showcases how the abundance of local talent and experts in this area are more than able to bring such projects to life – and do so with such great care and intention to the history of this lumberyard area on the upper peninsula. In using these relationships, more dollars remain in our local economy and support people who are rooted and invested in the Lowcountry’s success.”
Local Works is a development of Lowcountry Local First. LLF’s work fully supports the mission of creative community coworking embodied by Local Works.
Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and wellbeing.
WHAT WE DO
– Educate the general public on why it’s important to choose local and influence them to do so.
– Work with our elected officials, decision-makers and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses.
– Deliver resources, programming, networking, mentorship and more to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.
WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT
We develop innovative models for sustainable and equitable local economies. Our work leverages our understanding of the 1,500+ local businesses we’ve served and is informed by staff with expertise and on-the-ground experience in local economy building, innovative economic development, entrepreneur support, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. We are connected to local economy and sustainable business organizations throughout the country, granting us access to the best models, case studies and thought leaders.
We value diversity of perspective, identity, and passion and believe we are all better when surrounded by those with unique lived experiences from our own.
Pricing:
- $175/month for Community Coworking floating seat
- $375/month for a Dedicated Desk with 24/7 access
- $575/month Semi-Private Pod
- $35/day for a one day pass 9am-5pm
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.localworkscharleston.org/
- Instagram: https://www.localworkscharleston.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonLocalWorks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lowcountrylocal?lang=en
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lowcountry-local-first
