The Co-Op at Shoal Creek was born from the pandemic’s unprecedented surge in home-based businesses, offering a sanctuary for growth, innovation, and community. It provides co-working offices, conference rooms, and event spaces thoughtfully designed to inspire and elevate work experiences to new heights.
“We exist to help small businesses thrive – with a unique emphasis on community, family, and collaboration – to provide access to necessary resources and to mesh the power of connecting,” says Heather Heckroot, a founder of The Co-Op. This statement encapsulates the organization’s mission to foster an environment where businesses and ideas can flourish.
The Genesis of an Idea
Heather Heckroot and Bob Martin, the co-founders of The Co-Op, embody the commitment they pledge to their members. As a beacon of support for small businesses, many of which emerged during the pandemic’s surge in home-based ventures, The Co-Op offers a foundation for those poised for growth yet uncertain of their next steps beyond their makeshift home offices. With extensive backgrounds in new business development, co-working management, and community-scale innovation, Bob and Heather have infused The Co-Op with their lived experiences.
“Our foray into this endeavor exemplifies the power of connecting,” asserts Heather, highlighting a core principle and essence of The Co-Op’s mission. In an innovative partnership with Shoal Creek Community Church, The Co-Op’s founding story unfolds with serendipity at its core. A casual exchange between the founders and the church’s lead pastor at a local coffee shop revealed a mutual lament over unutilized space and a shared vision for community and growth. This conversation sparked the realization of a unique business model: utilizing vacant church spaces to support entrepreneurial ventures, a concept bolstered by the expanding accessibility of the internet.
This dialogue led to a collaborative effort that transformed much of the church’s 55,000 square feet of largely unused space into a hub for innovation and connection. After nearly a year of refurbishing workspaces and community areas, navigating the challenges of launching a new venture, and fostering understanding among their respective communities, The Co-Op was inaugurated in January 2024. Through this journey, The Co-Op has become a testament to the power of connection and the innovative spirit that drives its founders and the communities they serve.
Redefining Innovation
At The Co-Op, innovation transcends conventional boundaries. “Innovation is the result of applying an open mind to a closed door; it’s the art of throwing spaghetti against a wall and seeing what sticks,” describes Bob. This philosophy encourages a culture of experimentation and resilience, where failure is not a setback but a step towards discovery. By questioning the status quo and embracing a mindset of curiosity, The Co-Op champions a dynamic approach to business growth and innovation.
Breaking the Mold
What sets The Co-Op apart is its unconventional approach to business support. From flexible monthly space agreements to free parking and internet, The Co-Op challenges traditional business models. Initiatives like promoting new member businesses on a billboard and hosting an annual entrepreneurial conference underscore the organization’s commitment to community and collaboration. Developed in partnership with Northland post-secondary institutions, the forthcoming entrepreneurial business-building curriculum is poised to further cement The Co-Op’s role as a beacon of innovation in Kansas City.
A Catalyst for Change
The pandemic-induced surge in work-from-home businesses and the changing landscape of church congregations presented a unique opportunity. The Co-Op has adeptly leveraged this situation, creating a demand for its innovative business support model. Heather affirms: “Evolving back-office management software enables us to scale seamlessly, growing from one such facility to two, to three, and so on. We can grow geographically with no new investment in back-office management tools.”
Looking to the Future with Excitement
The Co-Op is not just about providing office space or amenities; it’s about creating a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures businesses. “We are most excited to see how we can benefit, impact, and influence new business growth in the Kansas City metro, leveraging not just our offices, Wi-Fi, coffee, or parking; we’ll be watching the whole of our support services outreach our finite four walls,” states Heather. “Our expansive inventory of business assets – conference rooms, production studio, green screen technology, podcast, drop-in daycare for working families, state-of-the-art theatre, and auditorium seating more than 1,500 – is our ultimate competitive advantage.”
Contributing to the Innovation Ecosystem
The Co-Op plays a pivotal role in Kansas City’s innovation ecosystem. By facilitating access to resources, fostering trust, and promoting workforce development, it serves as a nexus for entrepreneurial activity. It is a place where innovators can connect, collaborate, and contribute to a vibrant community of forward-thinkers.
As The Co-Op continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: to support the growth of businesses while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. “In addition to fostering our entrepreneurial and professional communities, we believe in encouraging family involvement and embracing our neighbors as a whole,” Bob asserts. This ethos of inclusivity and support underscores The Co-Op’s commitment to innovation and the well-being of the Kansas City community.
The Co-Op at Shoal Creek stands as a beacon of innovation and community in Kansas City. Through its unique business support model, The Co-Op empowers entrepreneurs and businesses to reach new heights, fostering a culture of collaboration that extends beyond its walls. As The Co-Op continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the innovation ecosystem of Kansas City promises to be profound and enduring.
