The last piece of the State Library of Victoria's huge $88 million redevelopment is about to open and there's not a book in sight. Instead, the library means business.
One of the 'quads' off the library's core has been transformed into an entrepreneurial 'incubator' called StartSpace – a place for would-be-businesspeople to take their projects and get them off the ground.
But what business has business in a library? Well, says Victorian businesswoman and library board member Christine Christian, who donated $2 million to develop StartSpace, it's more that the world of commerce has moved towards the world of libraries.
StartSpace at the State Library. Library Board of Victoria Deputy President and StartSpace Donor, Christine Christian and Catalysr founder, Usman Iftikhar in sound proof booths in the coworking space.Credit:Justin McManus
It's natural that today's knowledge and information economies return to the traditional centre of knowledge and information.
StartSpace is designed to attract current and potential library users with an interest in business and entrepreneurship, Christian said.
"It's really the first incubator of its kind in Victoria, designed to address a critical gap in Victoria's entrepreneurial ecosystem," she said. "Why the library? It provides free knowledge, resources and networks to people who are developing their ideas but aren't yet ready to enter the business world."
The library played an important role in her life, Christian said: "It opened up a whole new world."
When the board were working through the library's redevelopment plans they were determined it should be more than just a book depository: it should play an important role in the life of the city – and not only its cultural life.
"It's an important cornerstone of a healthy community. It gives people opportunity to explore, research and it's also a great place for gathering together. The library's focus should be educating a community on all sorts of things; art, literature and entrepreneurship.
"It was really a natural progression – entrepreneurship has become such an important area and makes such an important contribution."
There are plenty of commercial incubators and hubs around Melbourne but nothing like this, Christian said. "If you have a really great idea this is a place that will provide free knowledge resources, networks to people who aren't quite yet ready to entre the startup world. It will be a game-changer."
StartSpace will offer free and paid membership with access to resources, mentoring and training workshops with partners such as PwC – paid members get to work in the 'Loft' area with soundproof Skype booths, lockers and a kitchenette.
The long-term vision is to roll out a statewide StartSpace network.
Usman Iftikhar is the founder of Catalysr, a startup incubator program that focused on immigrant and refugee startups.
They will partner with StartSpace to help find entrepreneurs that can use the space, and support them once they're in.
In the earliest stages of an entrepreneurial project – especially one for immigrants and refugees – forming a network and finding mentors are some of the hardest challenges.
"You don't know what you don't know," he said. "It's too overwhelming, they're so much you need to figure out. A lot of people end up not even touching it, even though they'd love to try.
"The library is a place where you can think about ideas. This is a great opportunity to channel that into something productive."
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