SUCCESS STORY FOR
The Collab
Founded in 2023 by Emma Holland and Fabi Cordaro, The Collab Coworking and Event Space in Hendersonville, Tennessee, serves as a vibrant and inclusive coworking space. As the county’s only women-focused coworking space and event venue, it functions as a dynamic environment for remote professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. But The Collab is more than just a physical space; it’s the culmination of Emma and Fabi’s vision to create a supportive community for women in business in Sumner County.
Their journey began in the summer of 2021 when Emma and Fabi co-founded The Women’s Collaborative, a local community group fostering connections among women. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space, they embarked on a mission to bring their vision to life. In 2022, they sought guidance from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) to refine their business plan, secure a suitable location, and acquire the necessary capital.
Through counseling and workshops, The Collab honed its model, culminating in its grand opening in May 2023. Since then, it has grown into a multifaceted space offering open workspaces, private offices, meeting facilities, and event hosting services. By day, The Collab is a space where female entrepreneurs and professionals can escape the distractions of their normal space and be in a productive environment to get their work done, cultivate connections, build community, and grow – personally and professionally.
Emma and Fabi credit TSBDC for guiding them through the daunting process of launching their first business. Their partnership with TSBDC has been instrumental in making informed decisions and navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship. As Emma expresses, “We are so thankful to the TSBDC for their guidance as we navigate opening our first business in Sumner County. Their support along the way has been so impactful and has helped us make smart decisions. We couldn’t have gotten this far without them – opening a business can be daunting, but with their support, we knew we could do it. We’re looking forward to partnering on future events, so we can continue supporting local women in business.
We are so proud of the amazing community that has formed at The Collab thus far, and we are excited to see how we continue to grow in members, events, friendships, connections, and beyond! We are here for women to thrive! We are here for community, sharing resources, and growing as women, professionals, and business owners. We hope to serve this community for a long time.
Looking to the future, The Collab is poised for even greater heights. Bolstered by increased capital investment, growing membership, and strategic partnerships, it has solidified its position as the go-to destination for women in Sumner County seeking professional resources and community support.
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