NuvoDesk Coworking, Arlington's New Small Business Incubator and Coworking Space, Now Open
NuvoDesk Coworking, Arlington’s largest and most contemporary space for coworking, is now open and ready to support and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and businesses in The American Dream City.
About 200 city and community leaders celebrated the grand opening Thursday of Arlington business owner and developer Charlie Pham’s multi-million-dollar investment, located at 2909 E. Arkansas Lane east of State Highway 360. The first floor of the 60,000-square-foot mixed-use development is home to Pham’s restaurant supply store, Southwest Restaurant Equipment. NuvoDesk Coworking, an upscale office space and business incubator that serves as a turn-key solution for start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking to establish or grow their businesses, is located on the building’s second floor.
Amenities in the 20,000-square-foot coworking space include high-speed internet, administrative and reception services, printing and copying, a wellness suite for working mothers, access to a photo and video production room, and access to a world-class golf simulator.
“We have different memberships for all types of business needs. We pride ourselves in the state-of-art technology here. Everything about NuvoDesk is go big or go home,” said Nicole Wegienka, NuvoDesk Coworking’s vice president and community manager.
Pham, who also owns four restaurants as well as the restaurant supply company, is NuvoDesk Coworking’s chief executive officer. The Arlington City Council approved a Chapter 380 Program agreement and five-year property tax abatement with Pham to help create the necessary public infrastructure and access from Arkansas Lane needed to support the small business incubator, which city, business and educational leaders have envisioned for years.
“Working out of your home or garage isn’t easy. What Charlie has created is an environment, where for around $90 a month, you can rent a business space with computer and telephone support, meeting spaces and other amenities,” Economic Development Director Bruce Payne said. “Another benefit is that you are in the same environment as other entrepreneurs, which fosters communication and new ideas.”
Besides creating a collaborative, high-tech environment where start-up businesses and entrepreneurs can work, Pham is also offering his clients the opportunity to pitch their best business ideas to the NuvoDesk Investment Panel for possible funding.
“The panel of investors will take appointments to listen to people pitch their ideas, whether they need help with funding or another source of brainpower to get their ideas into fruition. It’s kind of like a mini Shark Tank,” said Wegienka, adding that NuvoDesk Coworking also wants to eventually partner with high school and colleges to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs can also turn to the panel for information such as patents, working with the City on permitting and zoning issues and other business expertise.
“He will use his background and expertise to help guide these fledgling businesses and help them reach the next step,” Payne said.
In addition to selling equipment, Southwest Restaurant Equipment offers financing from $1,000 to $5 million and leases dishwashers.
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