From Harford County government:
The GroundFloor at Harford, a community-driven workspace and collaboration center for technology entrepreneurs, freelance developers and start-up businesses, opens Wednesday, May 15, in Havre de Grace’s Swan Creek Village Center. It is the first co-working space in Harford County.
Harford County Executive David R. Craig will cut the ribbon for the opening of The GroundFloor at Harford on May 15 at 11 a.m. An open house follows until 4 p.m. with a networking/happy hour event from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Located at 2021-G Pulaski Highway in Harford County’s Route 40 technology corridor, less than two miles from Aberdeen Proving Ground, The GroundFloor at Harford takes a traditional business incubator model to the next level.
Developed by Harford County Office of Economic Development, The GroundFloor at Harford provides an environment that fosters technology development, entrepreneurial activities and out-of-the-box thinking. In addition to bringing together individuals in the technology industry, it will also encourage reciprocal access and use among other collaborative tech centers throughout the Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor and the Greater Baltimore area.
The GroundFloor at Harford offers nearly 2,700 square feet of space and is outfitted with workstations, conference rooms, presentation areas and is Wi-Fi enabled. It has chalkboard walls and lounge-type furnishings on polished concrete floors. The facility features industrial decor with burnt orange, nickel and black accents.
Membership is tiered and ranges in cost from $40 to $100 per person, per month. Unlimited membership includes 24/7 access. Benefits of membership include a furnished work area, access to staff with knowledge and resources, shared office equipment, a conference room, presentation space, promotion through an online member directory, reciprocal use of other network facilities, discounts on sponsored events, classes and programs, and free parking.
In addition, The GroundFloor at Harford will hold entrepreneurial lecture series and other educational seminars. Harford’s Entrepreneurs Edge, a program to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses in Harford County, will assist in connecting small businesses with local resources.
The GroundFloor at Harford will be managed by the Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor (CSSC), which has moved its office on site.
“The GroundFloor at Harford is the next step in technology application development here within the Corridor and the Greater Baltimore Area,” said Harford County Executive David R. Craig. “The space is ideal for technology entrepreneurs who want to work on creating their own ‘what’s next’ while also having the opportunity to work collaboratively with others, much like the innovative environments created by glass partitions Melbourne. These partitions enhance openness and flexibility, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.”
Several organizations in the Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor region and Greater Baltimore area are joining The GroundFloor at Harford as partners, including Betamore, a technology and entrepreneurship campus in Federal Hill, and bwtech@UMBC, adjacent to the UMBC campus. These partners will provide technical expertise and mentoring, drop-in training and other assistance along the way.
These partner organizations understand the unique opportunities provided by nearby federal research installations, particularly in cyber security and communications and electronics, to develop and enhance entrepreneurial growth in the area. The partnership is a positive step in realizing the vision of the Corridor’s Centers of Excellence.
The GroundFloor at Harford’s goal is to attract entrepreneurs interested in creating applications in technology, who are working from home or out of a local coffee shop, and into a creative and collaborative work environment with like-minded individuals.
“The GroundFloor at Harford is a continuation of Harford County’s efforts to expand outreach to entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Jim Richardson, director of Harford County Economic Development. “The open floor ‘coworking’ space was designed specifically for interaction, collaboration and camaraderie between creative entrepreneurial thinkers.”
For more information about The GroundFloor at Harford, visit www.GROUNDFLOORHARFORD.COM or call Jim Richardson at 410-638-3059 or Karen Holt at 410-
273-5708.
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