HIGHLIGHTS
GRAND OPENING OF SPARK COWORKING IN ARLINGTON
Arlington Economic Development Corporation Issued Important Business Outreach Survey
“ The opening of Spark Arlington represents a major step in the growth of collaborative business enterprise in the Entertainment District ,” said Texas Rangers Managing Partner and Majority Owner Ray Davis . “ It is also another example of how Choctaw Stadium has been successfully repurposed to be a vital part of the development in this area . I want to thank the City of Arlington and The Cordish Companies for their partnership in the planning , construction , and completion of this project , which will have a huge impact for years to come .”
Spark Arlington is the newest coworking community for The Cordish Companies which launched its flagship location , Spark Baltimore , in the heart of downtown Baltimore , Maryland , in 2016 . In partnership with the Texas Rangers , Spark Arlington continues the momentum of nearly $ 1 billion of new development under construction in the Entertainment District that includes the forthcoming Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center , National Medal of Honor Museum and One Rangers Way luxury residential building . Spark Coworking now supports over 250 companies and 1,200 members in its thriving communities in Baltimore , St . Louis , Kansas City , and now Arlington . Like its sister properties , Spark Arlington is committed to becoming an integral part of Arlington ’ s growing business community with a focus on economic development and providing first-class amenities and start up resources to its members .
“ When we opened the doors of our first Spark Coworking in the Baltimore ecosystem seven years ago , our mission was to be a catalyst for advancing entrepreneurship to support growing startups , and businesses through creative space and community ,” said Shervonne Cherry , Director of Partnerships and Community for Spark Coworking . “ Spark is more than just a place to sit down and plug in your laptop – we are a community designed to spark innovation and provide a concierge-focus approach to our members with first-class amenities , network and resources . It ’ s incredible to see how fast Spark Arlington has become a vital part of the Arlington entrepreneurial ecosystem , welcoming over 20 inaugural member companies before officially launching .”
Spark Coworking supports and builds community for local entrepreneurs , startups and like-minded corporations , and also provides economic development at a city and state level . Spark aims to advance entrepreneurship and technical innovation through creative space , network , and community members , allowing them to ignite ideas that transform into successful companies and organizations . Member industries across Spark ’ s nationwide community include Advertising , Architecture , Automotive , Transportation , Bio-Tech , Cyber Security , Design , Ed- Tech , Financial Tech , Government , HealthTech / Wellness , Marketing / PR , Non-Profit , Publishing , and Software / Mobile Development . Spark Arlington has incredible momentum and has open its doors now with 23 member companies in place .
“ Our economy is strong here in Arlington , and opportunities for economic prosperity and job growth for our residents will only grow stronger when small business owners and entrepreneurs have the environment to flourish . We are grateful to our partners , the Texas Rangers and The Cordish Companies , for bringing this innovative , collaborative workspace to our community ,” Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said .
In an effort to aid and support local businesses , Arlington ’ s Economic Development Corporation ( EDC ) invited business stakeholders to participate in a special business survey Feb . 27 through March 20 , 2023 .
The City of Arlington ’ s EDC is interested in understanding the needs and success of Arlington businesses , particularly as they relate to retention , stability , and growth .
This important online survey was developed by the EDC in order to learn more about our local business base . Responses provided by owners and decision makers will help shape economic development strategies and objectives so that they can best serve Arlington businesses .
The questionnaire took approximately 10 minutes and respondents had the option of viewing and completing the survey in English , Spanish or Vietnamese .
This is an important opportunity for the EDC to hear directly from our business stakeholders .
“ One of our goals for this year is to identify challenges and opportunities facing Arlington businesses ,” says Broderick Green , Arlington EDC ’ s Executive Director . “ This outreach survey is a primary method in which the EDC can get engaged by gaining firsthand data and important stakeholder input .”
The Arlington Economic Development Corporation ’ s strategic plan calls for an expansion of the city ’ s business retention and expansion programs and this is the first step in helping them do
just that .