Coworking event space at Ignite Labs

Ignite Lab is now a part of the growing Proximity Network! Working together to bring an entrepreneurial center to downtown Lebanon, Tennessee, Ignite Lab is a collaboration between Historic Lebanon, Cumberland University, and the city of Lebanon. Ignite Lab is passionate about supporting members to take their business ideas from concept to launch. We caught up with space owner Kim Parks to learn a bit more about her space.

When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
Ignite Labs opened in December of 2017. We received a grant from the Tennessee Main Street program to create an entrepreneurial center, and the coworking space is part of that.

Tell us about your space. How big is it? What amenities do you have? What quirks make it special?
The Ignite Lab has approximately 3,800 square feet of space in a historic building in Lebanon’s Public Square area. There is an open 24/7 coworking area, three private offices, a great conference room, kitchen, and lobby. We have fast wifi, a relaxed vibe, and a lot of potential. The building’s original freight elevator is still in place.

What’s your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
Supporting entrepreneurs and putting an underutilized historic building back into productive service.

What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
There were skeptics at first. Our small town wasn’t ready for this type of space, but the community has supported it and we are gaining traction.

What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
The upstairs private office occupant is a Lebanon native. His family has been in the entrepreneurial world for many generations. Our Ignite Lab building is the site of one of his first businesses, a furniture store. He is thrilled to be back in the space.

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Build your partnerships.

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Coworking space at Ignite Labs

Conference room at Ignite Labs in Lebanon, Tennessee

Lounge area at Ignite Labs

Conference room at Ignite Labs