Co-work space grows community

MT. PLEASANT — Traction Steam, a space on the Mt. Pleasant square which provides an area for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses to rent work space, hosted an Alive After 5 Wednesday.

According to Traction Steam’s Facebook page, the mission for this nonprofit is to grow and sustain the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Mount Pleasant.

Mike Heaton, Traction Steam president and founder, was obviously passionate for this mission as he spoke without hesitation of his aspirations for this space.

Heaton says that the focus for Traction Steam is based on STEM, but they add an “A” for the arts.

“Art leads to Entrepreneurship,” Heaton said, “Art makes creative entrepreneurs.”

Traction Steam rents varied types of work spaces to community members Heaton refers to as “co-workers.”

A large table surrounded by chairs is open for co-workers to come in, work around other entrepreneurs, and then leave the space as they found it.

For a bit more co-workers can rent a private desk which includes a filing cabinet and the ability to leave your things behind.

Traction Steam wants to support small businesses and so they also offer zoom rooms, a recording room, and spaces to rent for gatherings.

A printer/copier is provided with 50 complimentary pages per month, high speed internet, a mailbox and most of all community with each co-worker membership.

Heaton anticipates the space being used to bring together the next generation of businesses as Iowa Wesleyan business students can be matched up and come along side small business owners.

With this in mind, Main Street Director Lisa Oetken is excited about the prospects of this opportunity for the community.

“We’re going to strengthen existing businesses as well as recruit new businesses,” Oetken said. “You don’t have to go to Des Moines to start a business.”

Traction Steam has already and will continue to hold workshops and trainings to provide the opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurs adn their businesses in the Mt. Pleasant area.

Community and Chamber members were greeted with a fun “May the Fourth” Star-Wars theme as they entered the community space.

Tables held Star Wars decorations, the community work space table displayed Star Wars themed Monopoly games, and televisions, in the back of the building, played Star Wars movies for attendees to enjoy.

“We want the community to use this space for events like this,” Heaton said. “Nonprofits can use this space. The front room is available after 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays for a reasonable price.”

For additional information visit Traction Steam’s Facebook page or website: www.tractionsteam.com

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com