INVin hopes to see Pantheon as shared work space

John Wechsler, the founder of Launch Fishers in Fishers, and Jason Tennenhouse, the founder of the MatchBOX Coworking Studio in Lafayette, spoke to the group about how shared work spaces can transform local economies by keeping young people — and their innovative ideas — in your community.

Shared work spaces and small business incubators have gained popularity across the country because they give people who want to start their own businesses — but lack the financial resources to do so — a place to work and share ideas until they are able to branch out on their own.

Oftentimes designed as a cross between a library and a coffee house, the spaces allow business owners and entrepreneurs a chance to network, share ideas and mentor to one another.

Shared work spaces "attract and motivate people to open businesses," Miller said, and the result is a thriving economy, more wealth and brick and mortar businesses that provide much-needed tax dollars to struggling municipalities.

Ravellette said even if the space launched four or five new businesses, those were people who would then renovate buildings, buy houses, raise families and even hire employees.

Most shared work spaces take on "members" who, in turn, pay some kind of rent, money that goes to help pay utilities and upkeep on the building.

Miller said he envisions using both Vincennes University and its budding relationship with Purdue University to attract young people who need not just a space to work but also networking opportunities to help them grow and reach their full potential.

Another local group, one led by Tim Gognat, a Vincennes University alum who owns a geology-based consulting business, and Emily Bunyan, director of the Knox County Public Library, is looking at the possibility of using the library's Bloebaum-Fuller Outreach Building — one far smaller than the Pantheon — also as a shared work space.