What do you bring to the table?
At first sight, working in an old PostNL distribution centre might not sound very appealing. — Old-fashioned design, toilets from the early days and dusty corridors don’t make for an inspirational environment, right…?
But what if working in an old PostNL distribution centre means being part of the largest entrepreneurial community in the Northern region of the Netherlands? What if it means that you can connect, share with, and learn from more than 400 entrepreneurial people on a daily basis? What if the challenges you or your startup face are the challenges that others around you have already faced? The Big Building is the place to grow your business while being surrounded by other enterprising individuals. So, what makes The Big Building community and…
What does every individual bring to the table?
The Building
In the early 1970s, The building that was originally built for the distribution of post by PostNL. However, from the moment the first day entrepreneurs set foot inside, a lot has changed. Walls were destroyed and new offices rose in open spaces. Now, there’s more than 15.000 m2 to work — and play with. One can find office spaces, community areas for working and networking, hammocks, game rooms, pingpong, karts, an auditorium, meeting units, event spaces with space up to 500 individuals and a canteen with the most delicious food served everyday.
The Companies
Over 50 companies work in The Big Building and more are in the process of moving in. One can find companies here ranging from freelancers and beginning startups to established companies with 50+ employees. Companions working alongside one another, freelancers working apart together in one place and big teams, all striving for the same goals. Companies working with the most promising technologies, artisans that make delicious and wonderful products, nerds, designers, consultants, makers, visionaries and many more! The variety is impressive to say the least. And that is where the community gets interesting business wise..
The community
Looking for someone to make an awesome animation of your new product? Some legal counselling? Do you want some advice on how to tackle a problem? Or are you just looking for some unfiltered feedback? Walk around the building and ask the community!
With 400+ individuals, you can almost always find an answer to your question or a connection to someone of interest. Everyone is working very hard to grow their businesses and whilst doing so, enabling others to do so simultaneously. It’s like being part of a very big group of acquaintances that all share a common interest!
Being part of community means that every individual is responsible for the success of the community as a whole, that is why ‘What are you bringing to the table?’ is the first question we ask potential companies.
Looking outside the office windows and seeing the whole city of Groningen remains beautiful everyday. Getting to know everyone in the building the last couple of months has certainly broadened my perspective on entrepreneurship and the entrepreneur’s journey. And that is also what The Big Building is to me — a place constantly in motion where people get inspired to connect and share without losing focus on their business.
Sounds good?
Wanna know more about The Big Building and the possibilities? Send a mail to thijs@thebigbuilding.com or call +3150 211 2589.
