By Jean Eisenmann for Denton County Magazine
Stoke is a coworking hub in Denton that lives up to its name. The 9,000-square-foot space just off the square in downtown Denton sparks creativity, nurtures camaraderie, fuels opportunity and provides all types of workers with the tools to succeed.
In 2016, Stoke was created by the city of Denton to provide a collaborative workplace for aspiring business owners and young enterprises. The city was looking to partner with someone local who knew Denton but also had the appropriate experience. Heather Gregory, a Denton resident, was director of the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, so she was the perfect fit. She began as director of Stoke in January 2017, and in December that year, Gregory purchased the business and became executive director. Today, she runs it in partnership with the city of Denton.
Many businesses have attributed their success to Stoke, and friendships have developed. “It’s important to interact with people and find that human connection,” Gregory said. “The Denton community is so diverse that when these people come together, there’s an exchange of knowledge, ideas and personalities that can step up their own business.”
Gregory and her staff work to ensure that Stoke’s purpose of empowering entrepreneurs and cultivating community is maintained. The hub provides not only workspace, but a sense of community and socialization.
All the amenities people need to operate a business are available for entrepreneurs, freelancers and the self-employed, as well as for small businesses, startups and tech-enabled companies.
Stoke has a variety of membership options, including private offices, dedicated desks, coworking space and virtual memberships for those needing a designated mailing address regularly and an office space occasionally. Other amenities with membership range from conference room access and office equipment usage to fresh pots of coffee all day. Programs such as “Lunch + Learn” and “Coffee + Convo” are always on the calendar to motivate entrepreneurs.
Even today, startups are known for being male dominated. “As a female, I feel that my presence is important,” Gregory said. “So, too, are our female and minority entrepreneurs, and we encourage them.”
One example of support is Stoke’s partnership with TWU’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs in launching AccelerateHER, an annual incubator program to support women-owned startups. Those at the helm of early-stage companies receive education and mentorship to move their businesses forward. “They also receive office space at Stoke during that time,” Gregory said.