Opportunities to connect coworking spaces in South Africa

Opportunities and benefits of connecting spaces CoWorking Meetup 5 February 2016

Overview

1. OPEN and Workshop172. The role of entrepreneurship3. Creating a movement4. Virtual platform

We want to:• Contribute to meaningful solutions and development:

provide a platform, a coral reef.

• Enable others to be as successful as they can be, enjoy success off others.

• Provide inspiring, comfortable, accessible and beautiful environment:working and living are inseparable.

• Build and connect communities where trust, sharing and ideas flourish, where people are equal and the playing field is accessible for all to participate.

• Cross and bridge economical, social, cultural, geographical, professional and other divides: we live in one world.

• Innovate: the way we work had changed, we need to change work spaces and property models: we want to find new solutions.

Entrepreneurship and connecting

1. Drivers of change, innovation and job creation2. Creating proximity3. Connecting worlds:

• Entrepreneurs• Corporates• Professionals• Policy makers

4. Creating communities (≠ networks)

Creating a movement

1. Neutral and a-political2. High trust and level playing field3. Across divides4. Building solutions5. Economic, social and environmental benefits

Virtual platform my.open

Layers:• practical:

• self provisioning of all membership related admin and data• room bookings• purchasing extras: internet, bar

• social networking:• connecting with other members• social discussion and ideas exchange

• member benefits:• financial benefits: reduced pricing on services and products• non financial benefits: research, mentoring, access to information

and networks

Benefits1. Self provisioning -> focus on community building2. Enlarging the community:

• Self provisioning• Social• Benefits