Katy’s First Coworking Space Opens its Doors to Independent Professionals and Consultants

In the age of advanced remote access and business collaboration tools, a new breed of entrepreneurs are evolving.  Self-starters who realize the mobile office dream on a daily basis.  Their entire office can be stowed in a laptop bag, and they can work from anywhere.  Many are freelancers, consultants, programmers, designers, or some other type of technology workers.  The computer has provided a way for them to work from anywhere they want, and many decide to work from home.

But working from home isn’t always what it is cracked up to be.  It’s often lonely, and they miss the element of human interaction and collaboration that comes with working in an office with like-minded individuals.  So they migrate to the local coffee shop to emulate the feeling of plugging into the “real world.”  Then they realize that these places are not an ideal setting for a serious business person.  What is a tech-nomad to do?

Last year, a new idea known as co-working has given these individuals hope for a (semi) normal work life.  The concept is a happy medium between a bustling coffee shop and a formal executive suite.  “Members” can pay a monthly fee to get a certain level of access to the shared office space.  Copy and fax machines, conference rooms, desks and projectors are shared by the members, and sharing and collaboration among people on projects is highly encouraged.

Earlier this year, the first coworking space in Houston, AKA the “Caroline Collective,” was opened in a building just south of Midtown.  Since then, it has developed almost a cult-like following among some Houston area creative professionals who use it as a hub for their daily work life.

On November 5th, The Technology Center of West Houston opened the second Houston area coworking space, KatyDock, at the Katy Commerce Center off of Westborough Drive.  It is Funded with money from the Economic Development Center of Katy as well as private donations.

The Katy Dock allows Katy/West Houston area entrepreneurs – from freelancers to consultants to web developers to graphics designers – to work in a positively charged, creative atmosphere. Katy Dock has professional resources available through Katy Commerce Center and business advice and strategy through the TCWH. Most importantly, Katy Dock fosters a community that works together to help everyone grow.

Location

Katy Commerce Center
1773 Westborough Drive
Katy, Texas 77449 [map]
http://www.katycommercecenter.com/

Membership Levels

There are four levels of Coworking membership at the Katy Dock: Dock workers, site seers, captains, and admirals.  Features and amenities vary based on membership levels that range from free (site seers) to $600 per month (admirals with private offices).

Dock Workers (Drop in up to twice a week)

WiFi Internet Access
Hot Coffee
Standard Power Outlet
Fee-based Printer/Scanner Access
Collaborative coworking area
(table space and chair) based on availability
Free Parking based on availability
Cost: Free

Site Seers (Standard Membership)

All of above plus:
Whiteboard Access
Projector Rental
Conference Room Access
Facility Rental for Events
Eligibility to meet with TCWH
Cost: $125 per 30 day period

Captains (Private Desk)

All of the above plus:
Private, furnished work-stations
Priority Conference Room Access
Priority Parking
Cost: $350.00 per 30 day period / Membership Approval

Admirals (Private Office)

All of the above plus:
Private furnished office
Dedicated broadband Internet access
Cost: $600.00 per 30 day period / Membership Approval

Katy Dock is also the home of the Technology Center of West Houston (TCWH), a Katy Area Business Incubator and Accelerator, that is creating an exciting new opportunity for early-stage technology companies in the Katy/West Houston area.

The mission of the TCWH is to enable, launch and accelerate technology companies in Katy/West Houston and thereby create jobs and economic growth. TCWH matches entrepreneurs with seasoned business professionals experienced in commercialization, engineering, internet technology, hardware and software will be available for coaching and mentoring in capital funding assistance, technical and service connections, sales training, and networking.

The TCWH is a joint initiative of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, HCC-Katy, Houston Technology Center, Smalley Institute at Rice University, JBMA, Inc., the IP law firm of Patterson and Sheridan. Plans are being put into effect for the creation of a pool of funds to help accelerate these companies.

For more informationon Katy coworking offices, visit KatyDock.com.  Want to expore more about the coworking concept?  Visit the coworking wiki, or watch the interview below with the co-founder of the Austin based coworking space, Conjunctured.