PIC PAGE

Listen to this article

Launch Pad soon will open a collaborative workspace in downtown Newark’s Hahne & Co. building, a former department store recently transformed into a mixed-use building by L M Development Partners, Prudential Inc. and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group.The collaborative workspace Launch Pad is now open in downtown Newark’s Hahne & Co. building, a former department store recently transformed into a mixed-use building by L M Development Partners, Prudential Inc. and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group.

In its Broad Street site, Launch Pad offers office space and amenities for businesses ranging from early-stage startups to corporations with teams looking to work remotely.

Launch Pad CEO Chris Schultz told NJBIZ the initiative began last year with the mission of supporting Newark’s entrepreneurs and businesses, boosting job growth and serving as a resource to the business community.

“Launch Pad’s mission is to create the world’s strongest community of people working entrepreneurially, and the Newarkers who I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the last six months are leaders with a deep sense of pride in their city,” Schultz said. “This is a workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and people taking the reins on their own careers.”

Schultz opened his first Launch Pad location in New Orleans in 2009 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Nine years later, the initiative has created 5,000 jobs and raised $160 million in venture capital.

Launch Pad is located on the second floor and features approximately 15,000 square feet, with 32 private offices; three conference rooms that can be used by both Launch Pad members and rented by non-members; private phone booths; a kitchen and café space; and other common areas with desks, chairs, couches and large tables.

Launch Pad members will be offered a host of amenities such as locally roasted coffee and spaces designed with local artwork.

“We are locally focused and very differentiated,” Schultz said. “This is truly a reflection of the community, and we’re bringing that community all together under one roof.”

Membership will also provide access to educational programming for startups and small businesses, community meetups and social events, as well as an atrium space with restaurants such as Marcus Samuelsson’s B&P and a Whole Foods on the ground floor.

Launch Pad Newark is establishing an advisory board for community-building efforts.

“We are looking for people who really care about the community and to share knowledge,” Launch Pad Community Manager Dayo Adiatu said. “I think that’s really important for urban communities.”