Algonac's co-working site propelling local businesses forward

Working together Amy Amiels (right), Sandee Kuhfedlt (left) and Chris Campbell (center) created Dock 421, a coworking space in Algonac.
Amy Amiels was eager to open the doors on her own business in Algonac, but when she went looking for a storefront, she struggled to find the appropriate spot for her accounting firm.

“There was no office space to rent in Algonac," Amiels says.

What she did find was an opportunity with a too big building and the idea to start a business with another business.

Small businesses have found a new home at Dock 421 co-working space in Algonac.That’s how the idea of starting a business with other businesses grew into Dock 421. Sandee Kuhfedlt and Chris Campbell, owners of Scoreboard N More, occupied the building space next to Dock 421 and collaborated with Amy to help get the company off the ground.

Now the three of them co-own the only co-working space in southern St. Clair County.

As they looked to open the doors on the space, the trio looked to Matt Brooks, owner of The Roost, a Port Huron co-working site, for advice and mentorship.

"Matt helped us get started and we bounced ideas off one another, there wasn’t anything like this for networking in southern St Clair county," Chris says.

The office opened last fall, and has been growing ever since.

The goal for Dock 421 in 2020 is “to have new business members and be able to grow within the community and help other businesses growth with us,” Amy says.

Deerbrook Builders and ICRI Concrete Repair were the first to sign on and occupy the working space at Dock 421. Currently, there are four businesses using office space in the building, but there is still room to grow.

“There are semi-private (spaces) that could made into private office spaces available now ready to be reserved," Sandee says.

The team is actively challenging entrepreneurs to join them at Dock 421 and take advantage of the many benefits of setting up shop at a co-working site. Sharing workspace offers reduced costs, networking opportunities and new people to brainstorm ideas with.

Another benefit to sharing space is taking advantage of educational opportunities.

A ping pong table offers the perfect place to take a break or brainstorm new business ideas.The SBDC (Small Business Development Center) recently hosted a free seminar to help business owners strategize marketing plans to help grow their business. The complimentary class on starting a business offered entrepreneurs a chance to assess their abilities to manage a company, start-up costs, business planning, and the necessary steps to getting started.

Dock 421 also hosts events in conjunction with Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs.
 

“We have Fourth Friday Meetups, free the fourth Friday every other month," Sandee says. "Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs holds this event to help entrepreneurs at any stage of their business.

These classes and seminars give each business the opportunity to network, giving exposure to their product or service with other business owners.

In addition to office space, Dock 421 has a common area that is available for community events,

Rental rates vary based on individual needs.

Dock 421 is at 421 Michigan St. in Algonac.

For more information on Dock 421, call 586-307-4620 or visit www.dock21.com