Collaborative Workspaces: A Catalyst for Small Business Growth

Join us for an exciting panel discussion featuring experts from coworking spaces, collaborative hubs, and community centers that are revolutionizing how small businesses thrive.

Discover how collaborative spaces can ignite innovation, build community, and create sustainable growth. Walk away with:

• A blueprint for a thriving collaborative workspace
• Proven strategies to nurture innovation within your space
• The keys to sustaining and expanding your efforts

This event is perfect for those who want to strengthen their communities, support entrepreneurs, and embrace the power of collaboration.

Craig Baute | Co-founder of DenSwap

Craig has been a coworking employee since the early 2010s and owns spaces in Colorado and Chicago and owner of a coworking feasibility data analytics company, DenSwap. He has worked with property owners and entrepreneurs in over 110 coworking spaces throughout the US, China, Mongolia, and Central America. He loves small towns, the Midwest, and using the power of data and experience to help build profitable, community-focused coworking spaces.

Daniela Santangelo | Founder & CEO of Freeway PHX

Daniela Santangelo is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder passionate about how we can sustainably shape Phoenix's startup landscape. As a 2x founder and mother of two, she brings founding experience, including scaling a startup to $33M in venture funding. With 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, she uniquely understands talent migration patterns and ecosystem building—crucial insights she now applies through Freeway PHX to bridge talented founders with vital resources. Drawing from her experience across Silicon Valley and Miami's tech hubs, Daniela tracks Arizona's startup activity, mentors at Techstars Miami, and guides early-stage founders through successful investment rounds. Her mission: making Phoenix the most accessible large-market startup ecosystem in the country.

experience

Leressie Ashley | Program Manager of Denver Economic Opportunity and Development

As a proud Denver native, Leressie channels her passion for the city into her role as an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Denver Economic Opportunity and Development (DEDO). In this position, she actively contributes to Denver’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on closing equity gaps for entrepreneurs. With over 7 years of experience in employee engagement, corporate culture, and DEI, Leressie leverages her expertise to drive meaningful impact. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and is a proud alumna of the 2020 Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Connect program. Recognized for her dedication, she was honored by the Colorado Department of Workforce Labor and Employment in 2020 as an exemplary mentor. Leressie is committed to guiding high school apprentices and young adults, equipping them with essential skills for successful careers. Outside of work, Leressie loves exploring the mountains with her dog, Roux, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is also passionate about giving back through various acts of service.

Sonia Cacique | Pearland Innovator of Pearland Innovator Hub

Sonia Cacique is an Entrepreneurial and Community Support Leader, dedicated to empowering startups, founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to unlock their full potential and thrive in a purpose-driven, connected world. As a trusted guide and advocate, she specializes in supporting startups and small businesses to overcome challenges, scale effectively, and achieve sustainability. By connecting them with valuable resources, strategies, and networks, she helps them navigate a fast-paced, technology-driven marketplace and build a foundation for long-term growth. She nurtures a vibrant, supportive community where individuals connect, collaborate, and thrive. Her vision is to cultivate strong, interconnected ecosystems where small businesses, professionals, and communities support one another to achieve collective growth and success.

HUUB is passionate about empowering economic developers and small business support organizations with the tools and connections they need to succeed. Learn how we can help YOU drive impactful small business support.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain actionable insights and grow your network! Secure your spot today!

This event is going to be held virtually. Attendees will receive a link to the live stream and worksheets once they have signed up. Ticket donations go to support businesses through ongoing support programs. We believe in entrepreneurs who are courageous enough to chase a dream, against all odds, and build an environment for them that will elevate us all.

Event Venue

Online