The ‘Workary’ is a business networking hub initiated by Fairfield City Council which supports businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and at every stage of development, including aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up enterprises, home-based business, or an established small-to-medium enterprise.
Background
Opening in 2017 the Workary was a council led initiative to support local small to medium businesses in the Cabramatta and Fairfield areas. Council’s goal was to create and grow young businesses by providing them with the necessary support, access to advice and technical services.
The Workary initiative is a dedicated Business networking hub including space for more than 100 people and has four specifically designed meeting rooms, free shared work areas, free Wi-Fi access, lockers, access to expert business resources and an onsite cafe.
Costs and funding
The establishment of this multifaceted business incubator was initially funded and supported by council. In 2018 council secured a State Library Grant that enabled upgrading of resources and services through the addition of Studio 2166 - a digital video and audio space.
Residents can work, connect and learn in a space dedicated to cultivating and supporting local businesses and start-ups. The studio reflects the evolving role of libraries from being about books, to developing into centres for creative activity and providing a place to connect for small business
Implementation
The Workary business co-working and networking space is staffed by council officers that are trained and available to provide advice and guidance to Fairfield’s small to medium enterprises. This team also draws on formal and informal partnerships with a range of key industry and government stakeholders.
The initiative also hosts key events and services from business and resident support from;
- Department of Treasury – Business Connect advisors
- Community Migrant Resource Centre offering multilingual services for business in Arabic, Vietnamese, and Cantonese and Mandarin.
Supporting arts, media & tech
Council has found that supporting various sectors bring through unique offerings it is supporting diversity in both business and community. The initiatives houses;
- lab LX – a place to experience virtual reality and the latest tech gadgets. This experimental media space helps businesses explore and understand new technology in creating digital content and products. Working on;
– Virtual reality and computer coding
– 360° cameras, robots and bots
– Educational and creative classes
– 3D scanner and 3D printer - Studio 2166 – a high-end film and recording studio built for digital content creation. Businesses can film promotional videos, create green screen special effects, or record interviews and podcasts.
- The Alcove is a managed performance space located in the Whitlam Library’s busy foyer. The Alcove offers performers access to 30-60-minute intervals weekly and use of professional sound equipment to build performers’ confidence and exposure in a safe environment.
Outcomes and results
Fairfield City Council continues to support businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and at every stage of development. The council helps aspiring entrepreneurs, a start-ups, home-based business, or an established small-to-medium enterprise test ideas in a safe low risk environment.
The main successes for local businesses have been:
- Business start-up workshops and networking events
- Business team-building programs
- Dedicated concierge service for start-ups
- Networking opportunities, meet-ups with other business owners and entrepreneurs or anyone else with interest in business
- Referral services to business advisors also available in Vietnamese and Arabic through Business Connect
Council Details
Population size: 198,817
LGA size: 102 km2
State Electorate: Fairfield
Federal Electorate: McMahon