Guest post: Supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of Atascadero
By: Josh Cross, Interim CEO & President of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
–The entrepreneurial spirit is the heartbeat of every thriving town, including Atascadero! Behind the scenes, our small city is fueled by passionate individuals working to solve local problems and needs. They employ local families and shop and dine at community businesses that, in turn, hire Atascadero residents of their own. Entrepreneurs are great for businesses, families, and generating economic prosperity.
For this reason, your Chamber and its Board chose to open BridgeWorks Coworking, right here in the heart of downtown Atascadero. The goal was to provide our community residents with spaces they need to create, build, and bring their ideas to life at an affordable rate. I’m excited to say that it’s working! Our BridgeWorks Coworking space is abuzz with locals starting, running, and serving the community with their businesses. These individuals grab lunch in downtown restaurants, pick up last-minute goodies from shops on Entrada and Traffic Way, and donate to Atascadero schools and non-profit programs for the community.
But, for as successful as the BridgeWorks Coworking space is, there’s a greater need in our community for a larger space. As our working environments evolve, so does the number of residents who have ideas to transform into a business. Our current area can’t accommodate the rising need in our community. We don’t want to lose the entrepreneurial spark growing in our community because there isn’t enough office space that is priced at a level that reduces the barrier-to-entry for start-ups and seasoned professionals.
This is why this year’s proceeds from Speakeasy Night, the Annual Gala & Awards, will go towards funding the expansion of BridgeWorks Coworking. Expanding the coworking space will create dozens of new jobs, generate economic prosperity, and stimulate Atascadero’s economy. This is your moment to help the Chamber create opportunities for your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors by ensuring a future filled with local possibilities. Every ticket you purchase and every item you bid-on all supports our community’s entrepreneurial infrastructure and brings us one step closer to capturing our own economy.
We can’t do it without your help. Your voice, your support, can help us move mountains for our community. So please, share the Speakeasy Night with friends, purchase your tickets, and have fun bidding during the auction. Your support is what makes our community strong!
Purchase your ticket for Speakeasy Night: https://chambergala.givesmart.com
Share the event with your friends: https://bit.ly/3bV4lAL
