This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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1. THE BEGINNING
This innovation initially came to life when…
…my creative studio ran out of office space. I have always wanted to create a community-driven space where people help and support each another. A space where we can operate with a sense of abundance rather than selfishness.
The Creative Fringe is a co-working space that has been designed for anyone wanting to work with like-minded people in an inspiring and dynamic environment.
I wanted to create a space where people could collaborate and leverage off each other’s expertise for the greater good of their clients and their businesses. Working close to home was a huge motivating factor.
2. WHAT & HOW
The purpose of this innovation is to…
…provide the Penrith business and creative community a space to co-work and collaborate, as well as holistic access to some of Sydney’s leading creative entrepreneurs. We want people to work closer to home, be inspired and grow their businesses.
It does this by…
…bringing like-minded people into an inspiring and collaborative co-working space. Our cost-effect desk hire allows home-based business operators the chance to leave the isolation of working from home behind them. It allows commuters a chance to work close to home — leaving home late and arriving home early.
3. PURPOSE & BENEFITS
This innovation improves on what came before because…
…there has been nothing like us before in Penrith! We are the first. We are breaking ground in Western Sydney. We are providing a much needed service to locals who either commute (in excess of two hours a day) or work in isolation from home. Our space allows businesses to connect, collaborate and grow.
Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…
…work close to home; no bond; affordable; community environment of like-minded individuals; networking; collaboration + additional project opportunities; professional space to meet clients; access to the training room; less impact on our environment; better quality of life.
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…
…well, nothing! We are the ones solving a problem! Our co-working space is very much needed in Penrith as we have a large percentage of our working population that leave the area everyday. That’s a lot of kids not seeing their folks. We also have a large number of home-based and small businesses in need of growth and connection.
Its predecessors/competitors include…
…a new smart hub that has been funded by the NSW government. They opened their doors in February 2015 and have been using us as a benchmark for their space. They’re very different to us but have the same market.
5. TARGET MARKET
It is made for…
…anyone who lives in the Penrith area who either commutes to work, or works in isolation from home. It is perfect for small business owners who want to grow their business but can’t afford a commercial space, the bond and the commitment to a tenancy. Sole operators, freelancers, consultants and startups who work alone without anyone to bounce ideas off, would benefit from the community and collaborative environment. Commuters who leave Penrith everyday to go to work would be able to work closer to home and proactively change their lifestyle as a result.
It is available for sale through…
…our website or a booking site called www.liquidspace.com. We also take desk hire bookings directly via phone or email. People wanting to hire our space for workshops or meetings usually come in first.
Our marketing strategy is to…
Predominantly an online one. Social media is a big part of our marketing mix. We are a visually stimulating space, so Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook are our biggest drawcard. We are also on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. We host events and workshops which are our next biggest marketing stream. We use Eventbrite to get invitations directly to our database.
FINE PRINT: This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.