HONESDALE, PA — It was a full house at the open house for a new co-working space at The Stourbridge Project, where officials from federal, state and local economic development organizations attended. Government officials including Pennsylvania State Rep. Sandra Major and PA Sen. Lisa Baker were on hand to offer their congratulations to the ambitious project.

The Stourbridge Project is a new creative environment for business activity. The large space, located in the former gymnasium of the original Stourbridge Elementary School, 648 Park St., has been completely refurbished and features state-of-the-art technology, such as a 3-D printer, situated in work stations. There are also tables throughout the room for group meetings and more. The free co-working space facilitates collaboration and business development, and entrepreneurs and business start-ups have access to mentoring, community engagement, access to capital and supportive infrastructure. There is free wi-fi. There are guidelines, including keeping noise levels moderate and turning cell phones to mute. No persons under the age of 18 will be admitted. The hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The project is spearheaded by the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) along with the Wayne County Commissioners and many community partners. It is financially supported by grants, including $100,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), $50,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA), $204,313 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and a county community development block grant contributed through the Wayne County Commissioners. The county owns the building and WEDCO has entered into a lease for its entire 18,000 square feet.

The technology-based business enterprise center is an incubator-type facility with co-working, shared and dedicated workspace with supportive services. Research has shown that the successful completion of a business incubator dramatically increases the long-term survival rates of businesses. Further, the technology industry is a major driving force in the nation’s economy. But in Wayne County only 1.8% of its workforce is in the professional and technical services industry, compared to 6% statewide. Many of the speakers at the open house touched on the jobs that will be created through The Stourbridge Project. Rep. Major said, “We are always looking for ways to boost job creation. This project is a perfect fit.”

There are more phases to the project, including developing the upper floors for shared and dedicated spaces with onsite management. For more information, visit stourbridgeproject.com or call WEDCO at 570/253-5334. WEDCO Executive Director Mary Beth Wood said, “The talent is here in Wayne County. Our job is to harness our region’s resources, provide a creative environment and support our entrepreneurs.”