TheLab@everett is open! This is the first innovation lab location opened by the NW Innovation Resource Center.  The NWIRC is a regional organization with local ties to the Everett community and is dedicated to helping businesses thrive here.

I took a tour of TheLab@everett, located at 1001 N. Broadway Suite A3, at their open house on December 12.

TheLab is a location where entrepreneurs can connect with other creative people and mentors who are business leaders and industry experts.  Joining TheLab@everett establishes you as a member of the innovation community with access to resources and tools to help you transform your ideas into businesses.

Diane Kamionka, the Interim Executive Director, showed me around through the loop-like design. Just past the entrance, you will find a co-working space complete with a kitchen, multiple tables of different sizes and shapes, and a fabulous mural donated by Funko.

Moving on through to the back you will find several small rooms with built-in cabinets and sinks. It was previously a medical center location so the rooms are shaped just like a doctor’s office. These small rooms are perfect for startups looking for a bit of privacy and come with locking doors. They function just like a tiny office.

TheLab is somewhat circular shaped, like a beehive of opportunity with something for everyone. In the middle of the hive, there are couches and a large screen that doubles as an electronic whiteboard. It can be drawn on with fingers or a stylus and then magically erased! Kind of like an etch-a-sketch but for adults, and for business purposes of course.  

The center space is a great place to gather and share ideas or to run through presentations. It’s where industry experts will present information useful to the entrepreneur members.

Another great feature of TheLab is the opportunity to use private meeting rooms with TV screens for small group presentations. Whether you are simply looking for a co-working space, need a private area for your startup, or want to have your own lockable desk site next to a few other people — you can find what you need at TheLab.

Here’s a rundown on the different areas offered at TheLab@everett:

• The Think Tank: Co-working space

• The Frontier: Private incubator offices

• The Workshop: Design thinking space

• The Commons: A central place to connect

• The Study: Private co-working space

• The Makerspace: A mini makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters and other fun tools brought to you by the SnoCo Makers

TheLab is a place for innovators and entrepreneurs to gather, exchange ideas, and hopefully grow out of.

That’s because the ultimate goal is for startups and small businesses to get off the ground and move on to become successful local businesses. In order to help that process along, the NWIRC offers mentoring and classes available to members.

There are several types of membership and the TheLab doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach.  Whether you are looking for a co-working space to grow your invention into a startup or are an existing startup looking to take off and grow your wings, you can find what you need and get necessary help at TheLab.

Opportunities abound.

In addition to the obvious perks of membership, TheLab offers free coffee, Wi-Fi and parking; mail services, shared conference rooms, confidential phone rooms, and weekly programs and events.

TheLab is buzzing with the excitement of innovation, community involvement, and entrepreneurship. There has been a lot of community support and partnerships created from TheLab already.

Everett not only deserves something like this, but desperately needs it.

Look for more TheLab locations in Arlington and Sedro-Woolley in 2019. TheLab@arlington will be a remodeled 1940s service station in downtown. TheLab@sedrowoolley will be located at a 225-acre property as part of the redevelopment of a state hospital.

Lots of excitement on the horizon.

Swing by and check it out or for more information and membership pricing, check out their website here.

Lindsey is a business owner and writer. She enjoys exploring the magnificent sights of the Pacific Northwest along with checking out the local art and restaurant scene.