Collaborative Workspaces: A Catalyst for Small Business Growth

This panel features experts from coworking spaces, collaborative hubs, and community centers that transformed how small businesses operate. Learn what makes a collaborative workspace, explore best practices for engaging entrepreneurs, and learn how community engagement contributes to a successful innovation hub.

Here are the following takeaways:

• Blueprint for launching a collaborative workspace
• Strategies for nurturing innovation within the space
• Keys to sustaining and expanding collaborative efforts

Speakers

Craig Baute

Craig has been a coworking employee since the early 2010s and owns spaces in Colorado and Chicago and owner of a coworking feasibility data analytics company, DenSwap. He has worked with property owners and entrepreneurs in over 110 coworking spaces throughout the US, China, Mongolia, and Central America. He loves small towns, the Midwest, and using the power of data and experience to help build profitable, community-focused coworking spaces.

Daniela Santangelo

Daniela Santangelo is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder passionate about how we can sustainably shape Phoenix’s startup landscape. As a 2x founder and mother of two, she brings founding experience, including scaling a startup to $33M in venture funding. With 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, she uniquely understands talent migration patterns and ecosystem building—crucial insights she now applies through Freeway PHX to bridge talented founders with vital resources. Drawing from her experience across Silicon Valley and Miami’s tech hubs, Daniela tracks Arizona’s startup activity, mentors at Techstars Miami, and guides early-stage founders through successful investment rounds. Her mission: making Phoenix the most accessible large-market startup ecosystem in the country.

experience

Leressie Ashley

As a proud Denver native, Leressie channels her passion for the city into her role as an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Denver Economic Opportunity and Development (DEDO). In this position, she actively contributes to Denver’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on closing equity gaps for entrepreneurs. With over 7 years of experience in employee engagement, corporate culture, and DEI, Leressie leverages her expertise to drive meaningful impact. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and is a proud alumna of the 2020 Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Connect program. Recognized for her dedication, she was honored by the Colorado Department of Workforce Labor and Employment in 2020 as an exemplary mentor. Leressie is committed to guiding high school apprentices and young adults, equipping them with essential skills for successful careers. Outside of work, Leressie loves exploring the mountains with her dog, Roux, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is also passionate about giving back through various acts of service.

All virtual events are presented by HUUB, built for small businesses and economic developers.

This event is going to be held virtually. Attendees will receive a link to the live stream and worksheets once they have signed up.

Ticket donations go to support businesses through ongoing programs like this one. We believe in entrepreneurs who are courageous enough to chase a dream, against all odds, and build an environment for them that will elevate us all.