Chinatown Chapter – Wayfinders Business Co-operative

Wayfinders is considering the formation of a local chapter in Edmonton’s Chinatown business district. We are reviewing options, locations and a variety of services. This would be our first physical location and could provide space for our membership meetings (e.g., Mastermind), seminars and workshops. Let us know how you can help move this forward.

Here is a tentative breakdown of the project to date:

Key Proponents

Klaas Rodenburg
Kevin Douangmany
Paul Cheung
Shannon Berry
Connor Nichols

Potential Services and Benefits

Retail consignment shop for members as vendors
Co-working space with workstation
Small meeting or presentation space (up to 25 people)
Maker-space for specialized tools, machines, benches, etc. (e.g., 3D printers, art studio, Virtual Reality game developers, collective kitchen)
Sound booth for podcast recording

Target Markets

A market research and analysis study needs to be undertaken
Entrepreneurs with a personal connection to Edmonton’s Chinatown
Recent immigrant entrepreneurs
Home based businesses within a reasonable commuting distance
Including Chinatown, Little Italy, Avenue of Nations (107 Ave from 116 Street to 92 Street),

Basic Requirements

Commercial Lease Space of about 3,000 sq ft
Ground level or elevator accessibility
One full time site supervisor or host
Some interior walls or dividers
Insurance
Facility furnishings, shelves, chairs, tables, large screen TV monitor, tools, computers, WiFi
24 hr Security system
Washroom
Kitchenette
Parking area

Financing

It has been estimated that we would need to charge $150 to $300 per month per member for access to the co-working space
We would charge at least 40 percentage consignment commission on all consignment sales
User fees apply for all meeting space and maker space bookings
We would need a grant, sponsorship or significant donations to get started
Free or minimal rent for space for an initial period would be helpful