The city of Sterling Heights has cut the ribbon on Element, a new co-working space located with the Velocity Center on 18 Mile between Van Dyke and Mound Road.
Element is designed to round out the business incubation and acceleration services provided by Velocity Center and is ideal for entrepreneurs who many not need dedicated office space yet but are still looking for the support services and connections that can help them quickly take their business to the next stage.
“We’re proud of Element and the fresh, professional and state-of-the-art space it represents. It’s just one more way we continue our strong history of support to our local business community,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “As an innovative community, it just makes sense that we continue to roll out services and programming like these that focus on technology development in our region, right here in the Sterling Heights Innovation District.”
“Velocity recognized that entrepreneurs and innovators need a great team to connect them to the resources necessary in pursuit of growing a business,” said Kathryn Quell, Building Services Specialist for Velocity Center. “To develop thriving businesses, Velocity offers assistance in business planning, marketing, mentorship and other client needs.”
Other amenities offered by Velocity Center include office space, conference rooms, a podcast studio, an outdoor courtyard and surrounding outdoor space. These spaces have been used by the U.S. Army for off-site training, by Ground Vehicle Systems Company for a demonstration of a new Jeep, by Women in Defense for educational programming, by 313 Presents for industry presentations and more.
Current tenants are praising the Element co-working space coupled with Velocity’s support and business growth services. Chinaka Njoku, Founder of TASEN INC. describes Velocity as a “one-stop shop” where he can network, connect with other industry professionals and says having the City leadership and innovators believe in his work makes a tremendous difference.
Njoku is working with Velocity Center to bring about a new technology that will see educational institutions and universities more easily access transcripts and diplomas from overseas, a problem he encountered himself when he moved from Nigeria.
“It has given me a lot of confidence in what I’m doing,” said Njoku. “The way Velocity Center is operating, it’s what any upcoming entrepreneur needs. It feels like home.”
Josephine Attisha, Founder of Lucidity Grants agrees. She chose Sterling Heights over a wealth of connections and networks in Oakland, California, and says the City’s willingness to work with women entrepreneurs and small businesses, and the incentives that came with that, tipped the scales.
“We felt like Sterling Heights was really welcoming, really open for business,” said Attisha. “We were granted free office space for six months. That’s absolutely unheard of.”