BARRIE – When Chad Ballantyne found himself with time left on his business lease and too much space for his graphic design company Rhubarb Media, he got creative. Instead of seeking an office mate to share the rent, Ballantyne created The Creative Space, “a physical space where creative minds and hearts find the energy, resources and support to see ideas turn into life-changing work,” according to its website description. “It was a quick jump from necessity to a labour of love,” he adds. The 2,600-square-foot loft has two large meeting rooms and a small private office, but has largely been left as an open bullpen to facilitate shared production.“We don’t just work beside each other,” explains Ballantyne. “We work together. The upside is we get to grow each other’s business.” The co-working concept is a growing trend across North America that gets independent entrepreneurs out of their isolated home-based offices and coffee-shop meeting spaces and brings them together for the greater good.
“We’re all professionals who work in similar areas, but have different areas of expertise,” says tenant Caroline Wilson, research director at her own market research company Vireo Research. “When you’re working in marketing and advertising, your work is just so much better when you can bounce ideas of each other. It’s a lot more creative than sitting at home by yourself.” The informal business partnerships that are forged at The Creative Space also allows the participants to specialize in their area of expertise, she adds, while coming together to provide top-notch comprehensive marketing solutions for clients. “Right now, there’re some of us who are pitching together,” she says of larger government proposals currently in the works. “It’s fairly common and it really suits this environment.” Among the mix are graphic designers, public-relations firms, marketers and web developers, as well as a photographer, writer and 3-D animator. On the wish list of future tenants (which could have full-time, part-time or casual occupancy) are additional media artists, software developers, sound designers, architects, filmmakers and fine artists (among others). All applicants are required by the venue to “show a propensity towards positive social, environmental and cultural change.” The walls of the space – in between the large, bright windows that offer a panoramic view of the parks and waves of Kempenfelt Bay – now play host to a revolving selection of art. The current gallery showcase, which can be viewed by the public during regular office hours, is by artist Sarah Martin. “We’re hoping to do that three or four times a year,” said Ballantyne. “And we, as creative people, get to look at beautiful art all day. Located at 89 Dunlop St. E., The Creative Space is turning heads beyond the local community as it becomes recognized as a business incubator model that works. Ballantyne has already fielded questions about franchising the fledgling enterprise from out-of-town entrepreneurs looking to replicate The Creative Space. “I don’t know – it’s not our primary business,” he considers. “But, it looks like it’s here to stay, and that’s a good thing.” For more information, visit www.thecreativespace.ca