Despite limitations posed by COVID-19 and the subsequent local shutdown of all but essential businesses, Melanie Banayat, founder and owner of WingSpace Coworking in Prescott, says she is gratified by being able to meet the “emotional and bandwidth challenge” of being available on a personal level for clients and collaborators.
She says membership in the cooperative and collaborative workspace continues to grow. “I think it’s notably because local as well as remote partners value the regular connecting with others who have a common need to survive in a competitive work environment.”
Located at 371 Garden Street, the entrepreneurial workspace offers members private and shared offices, meeting rooms and access to business office equipment. These diversified facilities provide support for internal as well as remote workers throughout the region.
“A major program we’re introducing to the greater community in August is called BOOST Rapid Launch Bootcamp,” Banayat said. The program is intended to provide participants with working sessions with a variety of experts, access to resources and tools to succeed, a one-year co-working membership, and a “CoBoss Mastermind Group” designed to help with functional advice.
She explained that BOOST is a small business accelerator program designed specifically for individuals or organizations that want help in developing strategies and action plans to reach their goals.
“We want to support individuals who want to create a positive future for themselves,” she said.
In her own career, Banayat successfully owned and operated three different businesses, including a high-end fishing resort in Oregon, before moving to Prescott. She and fellow team members Jay Lode, finance officer, and Mikhaila Thornton, creative designer, are confident BOOST will provide valuable opportunities for those who participate.
Scheduled to begin in August, the BOOST program is designed to help people launch a new business, product or idea; accelerate business growth; and manage a business for success.
Banayat and one of her colleagues, Pam Garland, told Quad Cities Business News that those who serve as panelists – advisers or counselors for the various BOOST sessions – are carefully vetted to ascertain they have the necessary skills and knowledge. Garland, prior to coming to Prescott from Tucson, had a successful career as a business coach and marketing, finance and social media consultant, and extensive experience with IBM.
One BOOST panelist is Tricia Lewis, who was the founder and owner of Lewis Marketing and Public Relations in Prescott in 2006. “This program is an excellent way that clients can benefit from expert advice and true evaluation of their new business, either prior to launching or in refining it to provide the very best opportunities for success,” she said.
Lewis also said the diversity of thought and best practices discussed provide insight for operating a successful business. “My observation has been that BOOST is excellent for anyone who seeks expert advice but wants customized feedback. I wish I would have had the advantage of BOOST when I opened my marketing agency years ago.”
During the six-week intensive program, Banayat says participants will be challenged to rethink their business beliefs, attitudes and assumptions. Part of the BOOST process involves using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis. It also involves goal setting using definable and observable metrics, and strategic action planning.
“When our economic situation becomes difficult, those who are determined will work harder to meet the challenge,” said Banayat. “They will reconsider their tabled business ideas and breathe new life into old dreams.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information about the BOOST program, visit wingspace.biz/boost or call 928-239-5656.
Leave a Reply