10 Years of Positive Impact: Celebrating Flywheel and the Community That Built Us
In the month of July, we celebrated 10 years of Flywheel. In those 10 years, we have had the honor of supporting countless local businesses and startups along with hundreds of members in the community in accelerating their professional and personal goals. From the start, we have committed ourselves to our mission to provide a space that is customized to the community and committed to positive impact. While reflecting on our work over the years and realigning our purpose, we continue to ask ourselves, “What makes a coworking space thrive and how can we improve the day-to-day experience for our members?”
As a community based, hospitality-minded, entrepreneurially driven company, 10 years has taught us that communities don’t build themselves. To help members feel that they are part of a greater ecosystem, Flywheel strives to provide the three key elements of community as we see them: belonging, supporting, and mattering.
Feeling of Belonging and Shared Experience
The heart of our space is the people. Coworking provides a supportive professional community you would not find elsewhere. Over the years, we’ve seen both professional partnerships and lifelong friendships grow out of our space. When asked about the benefits of coworking, Flywheel member, Wesley Scruggs, shared, “It’s been a joy to co-work here at Flywheel. I came to one of their free community work days a couple years ago, and immediately signed up. The environment and connections I’ve made here have been invaluable for myself and my business!”
Intentional Support of Local Entrepreneurs
What makes us unique compared to other shared-office concepts is our unwavering commitment to local economic development through entrepreneurial support. Through the work of the Flywheel Foundation, we are able to provide a unique support system to our members and the entrepreneurial community in Winston Salem. In 2023 alone the Flywheel Foundation distributed $130,000 in grants to individual businesses. At the start of the year, we launched Mentor Deck, a user-friendly directory of over 50 professional mentors who are eager to support entrepreneurs in the community. We strive to provide an accessible route to success for entrepreneurs at all stages of their growth and development. Through our memberships, we provide affordable and flexible options as a means to support all aspirational professionals looking for a place to grow. Flywheel member, Seth Wingate, shared, “Flywheel is hands down the best investment I have ever made in my business. 200% – that’s the increase in productivity and enjoyment I experienced after my first week at Flywheel.”
Sense of Mattering
Here at Flywheel our members know from day one that they are seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s celebrating the big wins, the small setbacks, a surprise breakfast “just because”, or something as simple as a friendly greeting when you arrive, our top most priority is ensuring that from the moment you walk in, you experience our unique community first hand.
If you find yourself in need of a fresh start and a new community, our doors are open and always ready to welcome new members. Whether you’re new to Flywheel or new to coworking in general, we invite you to give it a try by scheduling a tour and enjoying a free day to enjoy the space.