NJEDA adds Summit-based coworking space for women to NJ Ignite program

The Co-Co Collaborative LLC, a women-focused coworking space for entrepreneurs in Summit, recently was approved to participate in New Jersey Economic Development Authority‘s NJ Ignite program.

The program offers up to nine months of rent support to startups moving into coworking facilities. To date, a total of 17 collaborative workspaces have been approved to participate in the program.

“We’re seeing an increase in female owned and/or operated coworking spaces, incubators and accelerators throughout the Garden State, including nearly half of the participating NJ Ignite collaborative workspaces,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “Investing in women-owned enterprises is an important step in fulfilling Governor (Phil) Murphy’s vision for creating the most diverse innovation ecosystem in the nation and we look forward to hearing success stories from startups growing out of these workspaces.”

The Co-Co, which has 175 members since its founding in January 2019, was created by co-founders Suzanne Willian, Lynne Pagano, Lauren Decker, Christine Gilfillan and Suzanne Spero for women to work side-by-side, learn from each other and empower one another.

In addition to serving as a coworking space offering full-time, part-time and community memberships; office space; and networking opportunities; The Co-Co also serves as a co-learning space, hosting six to eight events per month.

With its location being less than an hour from Manhattan, Willian said its the “perfect alternative for Union, Essex and Morris County women looking to avoid commuting into New York City.”

“Things are buzzing here at The Co-Co and you can really feel the synergy among our members,” Willian said. “With support from the NJ Ignite program, we look forward to attracting even more tenants and adding to the growing list of entrepreneurs and solopreneurs that are taking advantage of all we have to offer.”