Philadelphia's co-working scene has matured considerably over the past half-decade. Back in 2006, the Old City-based
Indy Hall was literally the only non-corporate option available to self-employed creatives wanting to share their work days with like-minded professionals.
But this Thursday, February 13, the local outpost of a worldwide, socially-conscious network known as
Impact Hub will be celebrating the grand opening of its Olde Kensington office, known as
Impact Hub Philly. (Flying Kite's publisher, Michelle Freeman, is a founding member.) They have taken over the
beautiful former 3rd Ward space at 4th and Thompson.
Self-described as "part innovation lab, part business incubator, and part community center...for companies that seek social or environmental change," Impact Hub was conceived in 2005 after a group of London-based activists grew tired of gathering in cafés and members' living rooms. They rented a space, and decided to expand their circle with others who were also trying to build a better world.
"That was [essentially] 'Hub Beta,' or 'Hub 1.0,'" says Jeff Shiau, who relocated from Northern California, where he worked with both the Berkeley and San Francisco Hubs, to launch the organization's Philly headquarters. Today, 55 Impact Hub communities are active worldwide, with locations as far afield as Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, Athens and Bucharest.
Here in Philadelphia, the change-making members include youth-empowerment groups, a socially-minded law firm, an eco-friendly energy company and a philanthropic organization, among a slew of others.
According to Shiau, who prefers to think of his role in the Hub community as that of a "Sherpa, or a guide who's in service to others," the overarching plan is "to truly stir the community" -- especially the South Kensington community the Philly Hub calls home.
Tickets for Thursday's launch party have all been snapped up, but you can still join the wait list on Impact Hub's website.
Writer: Dan Eldridge
Source: Jeff Shiau, Impact Hub Philly