Episode Summary

Coworking spaces aren’t just about desks—they’re the beating heart of entrepreneurship, the places where businesses are built, confidence is restored, and problems get solved over coffee and quiet persistence.

And yet, while governments keep funding short-term business courses and startup initiatives, the spaces actually doing the work—providing daily support, mentorship, and real connections—are left fighting to survive.

In this episode, Stacey Sheppard, founder of The Tribe in rural Devon, discusses the financial struggle of running an independent coworking space, why women entrepreneurs need more than a LinkedIn pep talk, and how local governments keep missing the single most effective tool for economic growth.

If we’re serious about supporting women in business, we need to start funding the places where entrepreneurship actually happens.

Timeline Highlights

[00:53] – Stacey introduces The Tribe and her blogging background

[02:14] – The Hive: A Scottish local authority-funded coworking space

[05:28] – Why funding for coworking spaces is so uneven

[07:16] – The hidden labor of women in business

[10:03] – How coworking can solve local economic challenges

[15:00] – The micro-learning effect of being in a coworking space

[19:40] – Why many women don’t identify as entrepreneurs

[26:07] – Stacey’s vision: A funded coworking space in every town

[32:28] – The Devon Work Hubs network: A model for collaborationKey Takeaways

Real Stories from Local CoworkingAt The Tribe, one member who had dreamed of launching an art business for years finally took the leap—designing her first creative workshop series.

The accountability and encouragement of the coworking space helped her move from planning to action.

Local coworking spaces don’t just provide desks; they help real people take real steps toward their goals.

The Role of Local Authorities & PolicymakersScotland is leading the way with The Hive, a government-backed coworking space supporting women in business.

This isn’t just about free office space—it’s an economic development tool. More local councils need to recognize coworking as business infrastructure, supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs with dedicated investment.

The Invisible Labor of Women in BusinessWomen face different barriers than men in entrepreneurship—primary caregiving responsibilities, expensive childcare, and lack of confidence in risk-taking. Spaces like

The Tribe don’t just provide office space; they create networks of support that help women navigate these challenges.

The Economic Case for Investing in CoworkingCoworking spaces are more than work hubs—they stimulate local economies. Research shows that investment in small business infrastructure, including coworking spaces, creates jobs, reduces business failure rates, and boosts local spending.

Councils and policymakers need to move coworking spaces from a “nice-to-have” to an essential part of economic planning.

A Bold Vision for the FutureImagine a future where every town has a well-funded coworking space, offering affordable, flexible, and community-driven workspaces.

More women in business. More self-sustaining local economies. Less isolation. If governments and communities work together, we can make this vision a reality.

Links & Resources

* Stacey’s Original LinkedIn Post

* Join the discussion on funding small coworking spaces.

* The Tribe coworking space for women

* The Design Sheppard Blog

* Jon Alexander’s book Citizens

* Coworking Alliance Summit

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

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