Duluth Business Spotlight: Nex Labs Aims to Help Entrepreneurs

A familiar business location in downtown Duluth is about to enter another phase -- geared toward helping entrepreneurs.

NEX Labs will be setting up soon at The Work Spot on Main Street, near City Hall, according to Rayann Larsen, Work Spot owner.

The Work Spot is a shared-working facility that allows people to work remotely in an open, non-cubicle environment. So it can be an effective setting for NEX Labs, which plans to function both as a business incubator and an advice-dispensing resource.

Larsen and Michelle Morgan of the Grant Park area gave Duluth's mayor and council a description of the venture Monday (Jan. 13), and received some support.

Larsen noted that NEX Labs would be "launching in a number of phases."

There would be "experts in residence," community members from various fields who would dispense for free their advice on their occupations.

Also, there would be an "incubator" phase, that would allow Work Spot facilities to be used as a virtual office.

The owners emphasized their downtown Duluth location, which already is a redevelopment target of city officials. Larsen noted that many people who currently come into The Work Spot spend money in nearby businesses, and also utilize the Town Green area for recreation.

And their pitch fell on receptive ears. Council members agreed to a sponsorship request, and plan to vote on a one-time, $2,500 budget amendment at the February session.

-- Know of a notable Duluth business? Tell us about it in the comments below, or post it in our Business Updates board.

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