Arlington Companies Grow Out of Coworking Spaces
August 15, 2024 | By Sindy Yeh
With over 20 shared offices and coworking spaces, Arlington has become a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration. The city’s strong ties to the tech industry and entrepreneurial community make it a natural fit for coworking. This setting, rich with creativity and collaboration, is the perfect launchpad for startups and freelancers alike.
Take The AAKOMA Project, for example. Founded by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, the nonprofit is dedicated to the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Drawing on her groundbreaking research at Duke and Georgetown Universities, Dr. Breland-Noble empowers YYAC and their caregivers to seek help and manage mental health, advocating for systemic changes to better serve their needs. As Dr. Alfiee puts it, “The AAKOMA Project grew much faster than I expected. Our shared coworking space in Ballston was a great start, but it soon became clear we needed our own dedicated space. The Arlington Economic Development team and our commercial realtor helped us find a space that accommodates our growing team and aligns with our mental health mission. Staying in Ballston was an easy choice — it's an ideal location for us to continue expanding, close to key resources and has a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates diversity.”
Then there’s Cyberspatial, an emerging defense contractor led by Founder and CEO Lawrence Nunn. Starting in a simple coworking office, the National Landing-based company has since moved to a dedicated office space. Nunn had this to say when reflecting on the company’s choice to stay in Arlington: “Arlington's vibrant community and strategic location made it the perfect launchpad for our growth, with its robust cyber nexus providing unparalleled access to talent and innovation.”
As organizations grow, their needs evolve. They may seek a traditional office setting to accommodate expansion, foster company culture and create a dedicated space where employees can thrive. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is here to support businesses at every stage, offering tools and resources to help you find the right space, whether it’s a coworking office or a larger, dedicated footprint.
If your organization is ready to take the next step, let the Business Investment Group provide the boost you need to flourish. Get in touch with AED today to explore how you can maximize your potential in Arlington.