Greetings from Oz!

Here is just a quick discussion starter for the HUB funding. First item is that we need it, and we need quite a lot of it. In UK Hubs have purchased their own properties, renovated them and then opened. Budgets have been huge, renovation alone has cost a few hunder thousand pounds. Similar figures are in the business plans in the US. Our plans so far are much more modest but we do need to raise around 100,000 euros for rents, renovation work, furniture, infrastructure, staff etc. Of course, the proven business model demonstrates that the HUB is a sustainable business, i.e. it brings in enough money to fund itself once it is up and running.

We have had a great relationship with city of Helsinki when we have been talking about space, they have also shown enthusiasm in partnering with us, which is great. It also makes sense as we share the goals: support social innovations, co-.working, international collaboration. You name the box in the city strategy, we tick it.

Now, the start-up funding for the HUB will come from us members, public funding sources and supportive individuals and foundations. We have been approaching several funders but this is slowly progressing stuff. If you know any funding sources and would like to help, do get in touch. We are interested in ideas of course, but much better is if you know someone who can set up a meeting for us or if you want to volunteer in writing an application, that would be great.

With regards to partners we welcome anyone who shares the advancement of social innovations through innovative space and social enterprises to partner with us. But the HUB can also work with client partners whose goals are compatible with ours. We are talking to several organisations in both groups. Suggestions from the community would also be welcomed.

Cheers for now

Antti

The Communications Working Group has been busy figuring out how to best communicate to whom about what. So far our exchange has been via email, but we will come together during next week’s general assembly by latest.

Goals

The initial goals for the Communications WG are as follows:

• Target groups for communication and a desired end result for each group defined
• A suitable palette of communication channels chosen for each group
• Minimal principles and responsibilities agreed upon for communication

After these goals have been met, we will revisit the need for the WG and see how we will operate going forward.

Current Situation

At the moment we do not have any defined target groups and the communication has been fairly ad hoc although plentiful. I’m sure many of you have already noticed, but we’ve been using these channels, among others:

• This blog
• Twitter (@hubhelsinki)
• A Facebook group
• The space itself

There’s also been unofficial conversations happening all over the place, e.g. on Qaiku.

How You Can Contribute

I invite you to post your input on the goals mentioned above in the comments. And if you feel you’re up to it, you’re also most welcome to join the Communications Working Group. If you’re interested, just drop me an email atjanne.asmala@hubhelsinki.fi. Hope to see you at The Hub!

P.S. Did you know that you can also subscribe to this blog via email? Simply enter your email address at the top of the page to stay posted.