National coworking network Launch Pad proudly opened its newest location in Stockton on June 1, 2019. Launch Pad’s flagship location opened in New Orleans in 2009 and, after closing seed round funding to grow its national network, has since opened locations in Newark, Nashville and Memphis in the last year—with Stockton being the next city where Launch Pad will provide world-class coworking space, resources and community to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and thrive. Launch Pad has acquired the former coworking space Huddle Cowork and Create. Through this acquisition, Launch Pad will bring their proven model of funding, business growth support and technical assistance and national networking opportunities for small businesses that are part of the coworking space.
“Launch Pad has over 10 years of proven success building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems in the cities where they open their doors and I know that Launch Pad Stockton will be no exception. Launch Pad’s decision to open in the city of Stockton validates our hard work and commitment to creating a vibrant and thriving business environment in Stockton,” said Mayor Michael D. Tubbs. “As I’ve gotten to know Launch Pad’s team, I’m excited about their intention to support businesses and communities designated as Opportunity Zones because of the need for purposeful investment in these areas. Their selection of Stockton is a huge step in helping provide the resources needed to further drive the success and strength of this city as well as all the people who live and work here.”
Since its inception in 2009, Launch Pad members have created over 5,000 jobs, raised $160 million in capital and graduates have leased 600,000 square feet of new office space. It’s this success that Launch Pad is looking to replicate in Stockton. As part of this expansion, Launch Pad will be investing in upgrading the former Huddle space and will bring their national network of resources and talent into the heart of the Belding Building for all community members to leverage.
Launch Pad will offer a wide range of options to businesses looking to develop and grow. From freelancers and early-stage startups to corporations with teams looking to work remotely, Launch Pad will serve a diverse array of needs with 27 private offices, conference and meeting rooms for both member and non-member use, coworking areas throughout the space and 30+ permanent desks. Members will also enjoy first-class amenities including locally roasted coffee, blazing-fast WiFi, local artwork, educational programming for startups and small businesses and community meetups and social events.
Launch Pad’s mission is to be a catalyst in activating entrepreneurial ecosystems in momentum markets—a mission aligned with the new Opportunity Zone (OZ) legislation. Launch Pad recognizes the importance of investing in communities across the country and serving entrepreneurs in underserved markets. The OZ legislation has provided a compass for Launch Pad’s expansion across the country and will allow the coworking network to support direct investment into the operating businesses in these Opportunity Zones.
“Opening a Launch Pad in Stockton is a crucial part of our growth strategy. Stockton is building momentum and we are eager to create a hub for entrepreneurship within the city. Mayor Michael Tubbs recognizes the power of supporting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for a stronger economy, and is championing this on the national stage,” said Chris Schultz, CEO of Launch Pad. “With the city’s proximity to the Bay Area, its historic downtown and the strong community fabric of the Stocktonians we’ve met over the last six months, we are big believers in the future of this city.”
Launch Pad’s passion has always been to create the world’s strongest community of entrepreneurs by creating and supporting hubs of entrepreneurship in mid-sized cities that recognize the importance of retaining talent and creating a diverse and equitable workforce.
For more information contact Virginia Beard at [email protected].