Women entrepreneurs increasingly turn to coworking spaces as a source of community, connection, and opportunity. Research shows that women in business face unique challenges, such as limited access to funding, fewer mentors, and societal expectations that often make balancing personal and professional responsibilities more difficult. That’s why thoughtfully created coworking spaces, designed with their needs in mind—like The Sphere Innovation Lab—are shifting the landscape, fostering innovation and growth.
The Sphere Innovation Lab in Florence provides more than just desks and Wi-Fi; it offers a community built to support women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. Through data-based programming such as the Taxes, Trivia, and Tequila event, Sphere equips participants with the tools to own their finances and the judgment-free zone to ask all the questions. At the same time, Sphere’s monthly workshops and office hours create opportunities for skill-building, peer mentoring, and informal networking. Events like Coffee and Conversations provide a welcoming environment where members can seek advice, share experiences, and develop meaningful connections—all essential for long-term business success.
Research confirms that coworking environments increase productivity and professional fulfillment by giving individuals a sense of belonging and collaboration. For women, these are even more crucial: data from the Harvard Business Review shows that women with strong professional networks are more likely to secure executive roles (boom!). The Sphere’s mission reflects that reality by providing workspace and cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where mentorship, community, and innovation flourish.
With this approach, The Sphere Innovation Lab aims to empower women and nonbinary entrepreneurs and professionals to overcome systemic barriers, unlocking their full potential to grow businesses that drive change and foster economic impact in Western Massachusetts. Whether through a future accelerator program, monthly events, or daily coworking interactions, Sphere is proving that when women succeed, the entire community benefits.
Curious about The Sphere Innovation Lab? You can find out more and fill out an enrollment form here.
For more reading, check out:
- Why People Thrive in Coworking Spaces, published in the September 2015 issue of Harvard Business Review.
- How to Find Work-Life Balance as a Woman Entrepreneur
- Coworking Filled With Founders: Past or Future in Forbes Magazine
- Sphere of Influence: New Coworking Space for Women and Nonbinary Professionals Set to Open in Florence in the Gazette on Friday, October 17, 2024
