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Written by Sarah Israel | Photos provided by The Wellington Lofts
Entrepreneurship is a rewarding and dynamic career path. While the early stages can be challenging, they’re also filled with exciting opportunities to grow and connect. Luckily, there are great spaces throughout Durham Region that provide a place for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey to thrive and succeed.
Tucked away in a beautiful heritage building in historic downtown Bowmanville, The Wellington Lofts is a place where entrepreneurship thrives. Part café, part event space, and part creative business hub, this soaring loft space provides the perfect backdrop for entrepreneurs as they take their business ideas from concept to reality.
Brilliant ideas need great coffee
The first thing you see as you enter the space is a beautiful café that serves a full menu of hot and cold espresso drinks. The Wellington Lofts co-owners, Kelly Squires and Dina Vetro, worked with Ontario-based businesses to bring the café to life: the coffee beans are from Balzac's Coffee Roasters, while the pastries and snacks are baked fresh daily by Circles & Squares Bakery.
The café’s convivial atmosphere promotes a sense of community, which is exactly what Squires and Vetro wanted when they set out to build The Wellington Lofts. The café has various seating options to suit different needs: counter seating for a quick coffee while sending emails; comfortable couches for a catch up with a friend; and long tables for creative brainstorms that require room to spread out. Visiting the café space gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to get inspired, share ideas, and make meaningful connections. The café is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Flexible spaces for every occupation
The Wellington Lofts offers a monthly membership plan that grants access to a semi-private area where members can take calls, answer emails, or take in-person meetings. This is a great option for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a shorter-term commitment. The space can be accessed 24 hours a day and includes a boardroom that can be booked by the hour for larger meetings. Memberships start at $199 per month (+HST).
Learn more about flexible spaces
Creative studios for content creation
The Wellington Lofts also house two studios that are available for hourly or daily rentals. With high ceilings and huge windows that let in lots of natural light, these spaces are perfect for photography and content creation. Rentals include access to a prop closet filled with modern vintage furniture and accessories to complete the look. Studio rentals start at $95 per hour (+HST).
Learn more about studio rentals
Private offices for your next big idea
As any entrepreneur with a growing business can tell you, it is oftentimes difficult to find small office spaces for rent and, when you do find one, the commercial lease can run into the thousands. The Wellington Lofts offers a unique solution to this problem: long-term office rentals without the hassle of overhead. Rental fees include utilities and 24/7 access to the space, and tenants can even have their business mail delivered to The Wellington Lofts address. This concept has proven so popular that Squires and Vetro have expanded their footprint within the building to open more spaces for their waitlist.
These offices are more than just a place to work: they offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with other professionals and build valuable relationships that can help their business grow. “Our tenants are from different industries, and it’s great to see them connecting and working together,” says Squires. “They’re building their business family here.”
Two types of spaces are available. On the third floor, you’ll find beautiful glass-fronted offices with open ceilings that are perfect for creative work. This space also has access to a communal kitchen to stay fueled all day long. The private offices on the first floor are a great option for counselling and therapy, massage services, legal work, and other businesses that require more privacy. Office rentals start at $600 to $1000 per month (+HST).
Learn more about private office rentals
A celebration of all things local
Looking to host an event or celebrate a win? The Wellington Lofts can be rented for your next workshop, conference, or special event. The space has played host to everything from baby showers to weddings, women’s entrepreneurship summits, staff holiday parties, and much more.
Vetro, who has a decade of hands-on experience in Toronto’s events and catering scene, helps design and manage event logistics in the space. “We work with every budget to create beautiful, high-end events that are fun and memorable,” says Vetro. “We work hand-in-hand with every client to create elevated experiences that will wow their guests.” Event bookings start at$150 per hour (+HST) with a four hour minimum.
Learn more about event rentals
The Wellington Lofts is an exciting addition to the entrepreneurial landscape in Durham Region. To learn more about The Wellington Lofts, contact info@TheWellingtonLofts.com or visit TheWellingtonLofts.com.
