Syracuse CoWorks to formally open on March 18

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse CoWorks will formally open its new space on the second floor of the building at 201 E. Jefferson St. in Syracuse on March 18.

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. announced the event in a news release issued Wednesday.

Syracuse CoWorks describes itself as a “network of independent workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers that encourage organic collaboration to spark ideas and develop new business ventures,” according to the news release.

The day’s activities include a “full free day of coworking to show off the new space” between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., including a formal opening event set for 5 p.m. that day.

Syracuse CoWorks launched in the Tech Garden in 2012 and expanded to the new space at 201 E. Jefferson St. early this year, according to the news release.

That building is also home to Commonspace, a type of co-living residential development that combines private living spaces with common areas and shared services.

Syracuse CoWorks’ chairman said he’s excited to open the facility to the public.

“We can’t wait to finally open our doors and let Syracuse see all of the hard work we’ve put into CoWorks,” John Talarico said in the news release. “We truly believe it will be a hub of activity and a great meeting space for new and established businesses.”

The day begins at 9 a.m. with 1 Million Cups, a weekly program in which entrepreneurs present their business ideas and progress over coffee with their peers providing “candid advice,” according to the release.

The Syracuse CoWorks’ 1 Million Cups event represents its first chapter in New York the 69th chapter nationwide.

The idea behind 1 Million Cups is that if entrepreneurs share 1 million cups of coffee, “creative business outcomes will brew in the community.”

The Kansas City, Missouri–based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed the program to “expand the nation’s entrepreneurial network,” according to the Downtown Committee.

Funding for Syracuse CoWorks’ new space was made possible through grants from Harris Beach PLLC; Onondaga Civic Development Corp.; the Syracuse–based Gifford Foundation; National Grid; Pathfinder Bank; the New York Main Street Program, which is part of the New York State Office of Community Renewal; and the Downtown Committee, according to the news release.