As the Innova Business and Innovation Centre continues to develop, ARPA Investments (ARPA) partnered with Standard Office Space (Standard), a non-profit organization in Kamloops dedicated to providing inclusive workspaces, to provide a positive community space for entrepreneurs and businesses that fosters support, knowledge sharing, and access to mentors and education.
Co-founded by Sadie Hunter and Stacey Owen, Standard was born from a vision in the spring of 2022, aimed at creating a vibrant community for entrepreneurs to thrive in.
“For us, it was always about building community for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing that sense of energy that we felt was lost over the pandemic. We wanted to bring that excitement back and facilitate spontaneous interactions that can lead to new businesses, ideas, and opportunities,” explained Hunter. “We are really excited about the partnership with ARPA and the potential to move into the Innova when the building is complete.”
Reflecting on her own entrepreneurial journey, Owen added, “As an entrepreneur myself, if I hadn’t worked at what was Kamloops Innovation Centre, I don’t think I would’ve survived. The relationships you build, the energy, and the mentorship were all game changers for me. If I had to work by myself during those startup years, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Through their shared vision, Standard aims to revitalize the entrepreneurial spirit in Kamloops, providing a nurturing environment for innovation and collaboration.
As you walk in, you will notice a welcoming, bright yellow facility that is currently home to several businesses. The coworking area includes a large table ideal for workshops and casual gatherings. From rentable offices, coworking spaces, daily drop ins, and bookable boardrooms, Standard offers many options that cater to diverse needs. Additionally, thanks to sponsorship from KPMG, free coffee is provided for everyone using the space, including drop-ins.
The tenant community is diverse, comprising remote workers who prefer a lively atmosphere over solitude at home, alongside entrepreneurs seeking collaboration and support. Standard not only boosts productivity but also cultivates a sense of belonging within the business community.
The collaboration with ARPA has been instrumental in fostering community development on the North Shore, underscoring the potential for the area to become a vibrant cultural hub, with all partners committed to realizing that vision.
“Joshua Knaak, partner at ARPA, has always been a supporter of the North Shore and building community,” noted Hunter. “As a new Board member of Standard, we share a vision for creating something truly unique to Kamloops’ North Shore.”
“The energy of what is happening on the North Shore and the types of entrepreneurs and businesses the area is attracting is extremely exciting, and we want to be a part of that,” added Owen.
Toward the end of November, Standard will host an engaging workshop focused on creating a values-based approach to business and leadership. This initiative will expand in January with a series of workshops led by Hunter, further enriching the offerings available in the space.
“As professional business coaches, we are both dedicated to making coaching and mentorship accessible, offering discounts to Standard Office Space members,” added Hunter. “Alongside Joshua, we will also provide financial coaching for businesses, further supporting the entrepreneurial community.”
The North Shore is experiencing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a vibrant destination for working professionals. This growth reflects not only the area’s appeal but also the incredible opportunities it offers for collaboration.
For those interested in exploring these opportunities, Standard Office Space invites individuals to book a tour or drop in to learn more about the vibrant programs available.
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