Wait what?!
We know our community thrives when we support the needs of the movers and shakers who live here. We are partnering with the Central Coast Small Business Development Center to support non-profits and entrepreneurs in Monterey County in need of a flexible office space via subsidized coworking!
What is a subsidy?
Well, subsidized means that you pay a portion of the cost, and SBDC covers the rest! This way we are still getting the funds we need as a small business to operate The Pearl Works and provide the best service possible, and qualifying participants get the services they need at a discounted price.
What services are included?
Access to TPW conference rooms on an hourly or daily basis: for people who need a high-quality space for taking client meetings or conference calls
Coworking Space Memberships: for people who need a consistent space to work.
Virtual Mail Membership: Great for people who need a professional business address
Or a mix of all three, up to a total of $500 in discounts per applicant!
How about an example:
Jane just started her own business as a life coach. Jane needs a place she can work without any distractions from her spouse, kiddos, and crazy-spunky cat Garfield. She’s looking for alternative office spaces, and she stumbles upon The Pearl Works!
Jane reads this blog and realizes that she may qualify for the SBDC funding, and she applies. She gets approved, and receives an email from us with onboarding instructions and special discount codes to use when she’s booking a spot in our coworking space! The discount codes allow Jane to only pay half of the total cost of the booking, and SBDC covers the rest, up to $500.
Jane comes into The Pearl Works and has the most productive day ever. She gains new clients, meets other entrepreneurs operating out of our space, builds her network, and enjoys a refreshingly human coworking experience.
The subsidized access helps her get her footing and boost her business up off the ground. Jane gets to separate her work life and home life, and enjoys a relaxing evening with her spouse, kiddos, and even Garfield. Everyone wins.
Am I eligible?
All Monterey County-based Businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs are eligible to apply.
You are eligible to get access to discounted services if you:
- Work for organizations based in Monterey County.
- Are an entrepreneur/ solopreneur based in Monterey County
Sorry remote workers, this is not for you.
What to Expect
This process will take 3-5 business days from application to approval.
Step 1: Apply
All applicants can apply for this program using this form.
You will receive an email confirming your application.
Step 2: Status Update from SBDC
A member of the SBDC team will review your application and approve or deny it.
You will receive an email notifying you of the status of your application upon decision either way.
Step 3: Upon Approval
If approved, you will receive a “Congratulations!” email from us, that gives you instructions for onboarding onto our space management platform, Archie, and your booking discount codes to use at checkout. If you are interested in a coworking space membership, we invite you to book a tour to ensure this space is the right for you.
Step 4: Booking + Payment
You can use your personalized discount codes to book day passes and conference rooms through our space management system, Archie. A valid payment method will be required to finalize your booking. When you book with us, you’ll receive a confirmation email that reminds you of important house rules for your review prior to your visit.
That’s it!
As you approach the end of your $500 subsidy allotment, you will receive an email from us that reviews options for how The Pearl Works can continue to support you and your business.
Bonus Tip: You can always reapply for more funding when you have reached your funding limit.
Questions?
For any questions, please contact support@thepearlworks.com or call (831) 645-1165. Please note that all applicants for this program are held to The Pearl Works’ community guidelines and policies.
Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis through the Central Coast Small Business Development Center, so apply today!