Featured Coworking Project: TechWorks Gaston
Overview: TechWorks Gaston, located in downtown Belmont, is a community-driven technology hub committed to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology in Gaston County. Situated in a renovated textile mill, TechWorks is a testament to community-wide collaboration and the vision of the Gaston Innovation Group.
Key Features:
- Modern Workspace: TechWorks spans a 14,000 square-foot digitally-connected learning center, offering office and co-working spaces, conference and training rooms, and a large event space.
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: The facility boasts gigabit fiber and advanced audiovisual capabilities, ensuring a seamless work experience for its members.
- Educational Initiatives: TechWorks Technology Academy offers innovative educational approaches, building technology skills, providing certification testing services, and expanding digital engagement for Gaston residents. As both a Certiport and Pearson VUE Authorized Testing Center, it’s the first of its kind in Gaston County.
- Community Collaboration: TechWorks Gaston is the result of a community-wide collaboration and is one of the seven key focus areas for Gaston County as identified in the Greater Gaston Development Corporation’s Alliance for Growth plan.
- Public-Private Partnership: TechWorks has forged a public-private partnership that includes the State of North Carolina, Gaston County, and the City of Belmont. This collaboration resulted in a $2.1 million government investment. Additionally, the hub received funding from local foundations, corporations, and building owner National Mills, totaling $364,000.
- Educational Partnerships: TechWorks has secured partnerships with institutions like Gaston College, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Goodwill University, CompTIA Academy, and Cisco Academy. These partnerships aim to provide unique and relevant coding programs, targeting specific demographics like women and low- to moderate-income individuals.
- Broadband Initiatives: In collaboration with Open Broadband, TechWorks provides gigabit fiber and Wi-Fi, including free Wi-Fi service in downtown Belmont.
Impact: In its first year of operation, TechWorks Gaston has already made a significant impact, with 21 companies employing 126 people choosing to locate at TechWorks.
Learn More: Visit TechWorks Gaston’s Official Website
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