Proximity Uses Coworking Resources To Build Up Rural Colorado Communities

Proximity Space is a coworking firm that aims to bring more business resources for struggling rural communities in Colorado.

Brian Watson, director of community development, said that Colorado isn’t the only one with this problem and that all across the country, states are trying to figure out how to help rural communities that are not performing as well as metro areas.

Proximity hopes to aid in giving businesses more opportunity with the creation of the Proximity network that provides businesses with a guest pass access to other coworking companies across Colorado. The firm has also partnered with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) through the Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) that has allowed the State of Colorado to create incentives that help these smaller areas.

RTAP’s Coworking 101 initiative will provide the towns of Olathe and Basalt coworking services that can be a great business and community asset. Conexión, Olathe’s in-progress coworking space, was funded by a grant given to the Making Olathe Better group.

“Rural success is a cornerstone of our economic development strategy,” said Glenn Plagens, director of business support and rural prosperity at OEDIT. “We want to ensure that Colorado’s strong economy is being enjoyed throughout the state and build our rural communities to withstand future economic changes. This is one of the programs that help make that possible.”