Editor’s note: Each week WRAL TechWire features a startup hub across the Triangle region as part of our Startup Monday package and as an addition to our Triangle Startup Guide.

+++

WILSON – In this exclusive feature from WRAL Techwire, learn more about The Gig East Exchange, a coworking space owned City of Wilson and Greenlight Community Broadband.

“We serve startups, entrepreneurs, and remote workers by providing an affordable, supportive location where they can utilize Wilson’s exceptional broadband to do their best work,” said Emily Wells, Sales & Marketing Manager for Greenlight Community Broadband.

Wells also said that the goal is for businesses in the Exchange to “expand so much that they eventually grow out” and relocate into their own building in Wilson. 

A lightly edited transcript of the interview with Wells follows:

  • WRAL TechWire (TW): What makes The Gig East Exchange unique?

Emily Wells (Wells): The Gig East Exchange is unique because our small size allows us to know and support our members on a personal level. We know what they are working on, what they enjoy outside of the Exchange, and where they need help. But, we are able to offer the amenities and support that a larger coworking space would offer. 

The Gig East building. (Gig East photo)

  • TW: What are you seeing in terms of demand?

Wells: What we’re seeing is pretty reflective of what the state is experiencing. There’s a need for remote tech workers, and we are trying to enable people to fill that gap. 

  • TW: Where is demand strongest—office space? coworking? drop-ins? 

Wells: We always receive a strong demand for private office space. People like to have their own space within a shared space so that they can have extra storage and a room they can call their own. 

However, we have also seen an increase in coworking memberships in the last 8-12 months. As businesses make the decision to keep remote work an option, more people are realizing that they need a space outside of their home where they can work. 

  • TW: How much space does your facility have? 

Wells: The Gig East Exchange offers 

  • 14 private offices
  • 1 dedicated desk den with six desks
  • 1 large coworking space
  • 1 small coworking space
  • 3 huddle rooms
  • 1 small conference room
  • 1 large conference room
  • 1 member lounge
  • 1 phone booth. 

Raleigh’s Black woman-owned innovation hub, The Wright Village, is going strong

  • TW: Are there plans for expansion? 

Wells: We do not have expansion plans at this time. 

  • TW: What services do you offer at The Gig East Exchange? 

Wells: Gig East holds strategic partnerships with regional and national leaders in business development, entrepreneurship, education, technology, and economic development. 

A few of our key partners that offer services to Exchange members include: 

    • WRAL Digital Solutions & Capitol B Creative Studios: Business development, marketing, and creative solutions
    • RIoT: RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP), monthly Lunch & Learns, pre-accelerator programs
    • Center on Rural Innovation (CORI): Educational courses, small business learning tools

Triangle Startup Guide exclusive: Inside the American Underground

  • TW: Do you have any programs that focus on women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses?  

Wells: Not at the moment.

  • TW: How have you received support? From local, state, and/or federal government? From corporations? From grant programs? 

Wells: The City of Wilson was awarded the Golden LEAF Grant in 2018 for the renovation of the Exchange. Additionally, the Exchange is supported by Corporate Members, with Cisco being our Ex(Change) Agent Corporate Member. 

  • TW: Who owns your hub and what is their philosophy about helping startups and small/emerging companies to grow? 

Wells: The Gig East Exchange is owned by the City of Wilson and Greenlight Community Broadband. We serve startups, entrepreneurs, and remote workers by providing an affordable, supportive location where they can utilize Wilson’s exceptional broadband to do their best work. 

The goal for our members is for their business to expand so much that they eventually grow out of the Exchange and move into their own location in Wilson. 


FACT BOX – Gig East

 Address: 127 Goldsboro Street S, Wilson NC 27893

Contact information: 

  • Twitter: @gigeast
  • Meetup: meetup.com/Gig-East-Wilson
  • E-mail: info@gigeast.com
  • Phone: 252-296-3473
  • Website:​​ www.gigeast.com 

Owner(s): City of Wilson/Greenlight Community Broadband  

Mission statement: Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking. We bring the Research Triangle and Eastern North Carolina together to encourage entrepreneurial and community success and explore next-generation technology. The Gig East Exchange is the physical location for the Gig East community and serves as a hub for everyday entrepreneurs, tech startups, remote workers, and anyone who values innovation in action.

Availability: Coworking spaces are available and there is a waiting list for private offices and dedicated desks. Coworking memberships start at $50 per month.

Best way to learn more: Visit the website, follow @gigeast on social media, and subscribe to their newsletter.