Nestworks

A group of Vancouver-based entrepreneurs and parents asked ourselves: where are the opportunities to foster economic growth and build community among creative entrepreneurs, like-minded service professionals and parents of young children? How might an integrated approach to small business development support not only growth, but also family needs and overall efficiency, creativity, sustainability, innovation and mental health? Nestworks seeks to reimagine the conventional separation of “work” and “life”, proposing instead to make them far more integrated. What might the impact be on stress levels and mental health, for example, when a parent, rather than depositing their child/ren for a day at a distant daycare, brings them to their workplace and is able to join them for lunch in a family-friendly cafe between meetings? How might the proximity of children and families to businesses inform a broader culture of playfulness, creativity, optimism and fun? We also noticed another trend: the lack of support for product designers and entrepreneurs to not only create their goods, but moreover to commercialize them by being part of a supportive entrepreneurial culture. What collaborations might breed in such a place? Nestworks is also deeply inspired by Maker culture and desires to be a place where creative ideas can literally come to life. We feel there is an opportunity for significant economic and social innovation by offering necessary facilities and services (workspace, R&D/production, and childcare) in a unique mashup. Possible results might include small business growth, environmental benefits through use of shared resources, happier kids and families, product and business systems innovation, increased collaboration, and the development of a resilient, inspiring community.