Local Non-Profit Opens Second Co-Working Space; Economic Development Initiative Launches in Windsor

Bromleigh Enterprises, a non-profit organization focused on supporting small business growth throughout Greater Hartford and beyond, has opened its second coworking and community hub, Windsor Worx, located in the heart of downtown Windsor.

Windsor Worx and its sister location, West Hartford Cowork located on the Hartford-West Hartford line, aim to achieve sustainable economic development, elevate ailing corridors and breathe life into neighborhoods in transition, its professionals, entrepreneurs, small and micro-businesses, and non-profits. Once a thriving manufacturing facility, 41 Mechanic Street in Downtown Windsor – Connecticut’s first community – is the newly redesigned home of Windsor Worx.

Photo byWindsor Worx/Dorena Atkins

Under Managing Director, Annisa Teich, both locations are part of a larger mission to expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem by encouraging and developing creative and collaborative programming for the community. During the press conference, Annisa announced the launch of a new incubator program – The Neighborhood. This hands-on, grant-supported program will guide 10 new Windsor-based businesses through the essentials of starting their business. Applications went live during the announcement - entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply via WindsorWorx.com.

An exciting quarterly initiative called the “Artist in Residence” program was announced, providing a platform for creative entrepreneurs to exhibit their work within a vibrant hub alongside the Windsor Arts Center. South Windsor-based Kristen Greenier has been selected as the program's inaugural featured artist. Her work is on display and available for purchase at Windsor Worx. Applications for the artist program our forthcoming.

“We are just getting started on our mission to ‘light up’ stagnant communities within the region,” Annisa Teich explained. “We are always on the lookout for ways to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in areas that need a boost and have the placemaking ingredients needed to support it. We recognize the burdens and challenges small businesses face, but our work is focused on helping entrepreneurs squeeze all they can out of the opportunities this region has to offer.”

"Windsor Worx will offer a home for the region’s entrepreneurs to not only grow their own businesses but collaborate with and support other entrepreneurs, fellow professionals, and veteran small business owners,” said Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “With the expertise provided by Managing Director, Annisa Teich, I am confident that Connecticut’s small business owners and professionals will achieve their goals right here at Windsor Worx."

“Utilizing and maximizing space, time and money is essential when it comes to running a business,” said State Senator Doug McCrory, whose district includes Windsor. “Windsor Worx is an interesting concept designed to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to create, grow and run their businesses efficiently. I join our community in welcoming Windsor Worx.”

At a well-attended Grand Opening of Windsor Worx on Wednesday, multiple local Chambers of Commerce were on hand for a collaborative ribbon-cutting, including the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, and West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the cross-region economic development potential of Windsor Worx and the expanding portfolio of Bromleigh Enterprises.

“I am so excited that Windsor Worx chose Windsor as its home,” offered State Representative Jane Garibay. “We share the same vision of building an atmosphere where business and people can grow. Their space, support, enthusiasm, and well-thought-out plan will give people a place to realize their dreams!”

The Bromleigh Enterprises - Windsor Worx team worked closely with the Town of Windsor’s Economic Development staff in establishing the space and incubator program, which has quickly begun to attract new and existing businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I'm delighted to see Windsor Worx here to support the new and growing businesses of Windsor,” said Windsor Town Council Member Ojala Naeem. “The business support programming provided at Windsor Worx will help fill gaps that our businesses currently have and strengthen them for success in the marketplace.”

Windsor Worx offers private offices as well as daily workstations, meeting room rentals, and virtual mail, all at affordable rates developed for remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Amenities include access to the Kitchenette, Lounge Area, Outdoor Patio, High-Speed Wi-Fi, Copying and Printing, and free on-site parking.

“Windsor Worx is so much more than a workspace. It is a community hub where local entrepreneurs can collaborate and thrive alongside the support of fellow professionals, including remote workers and teams, and veteran small business owners. Our creative and collaborative programming brings more businesses to life and helps them successfully reach important milestones,” explained Annisa Teich.

West Hartford Coworking, in operation since 2016, and the Small Business Collective, a full-service marketing agency founded in 2017, are two additional ventures led by Teich and her growing team of local staff. Bromleigh Enterprises focuses on four categories of impact: Social Enterprises, Community Hubs, Grassroots Campaigns, and Economic Development.

For additional information, visit www.windsorworx.com, www.westhartfordcoworking.com, and www.bromleighenterprises.org.