This co-working space for women is seeking $2.5 million from crowdfunding

Emma Startup, Dee Behan and Oonagh Geoghegan hope crowdfunding will back a women’s co-working space. 

A co-working space for women, especially working mums, that will offer an onsite creche; women-focused amenities; and corporate packages designed to help businesses attract female talent is seeking $2.5 million in equity crowdfunding to try and launch in Sydney.

Frankly Co is the brainchild of three friends and entrepreneurs, Emma Startup, Dee Behan and Oonagh Geoghegan – two of them parents – seeking to create a workspace women can both work from and retreat to.

Their workplace wish list also includes wellness classes; workshops and events; and a digital platform for virtual memberships.

Behan says flexibility is a priority for women when trying to earn an income.

“Changing workplace culture to be more flexible includes helping women who already work full time — but who have provision for flex work — to access a service they wouldn’t usually have at home,” she said.

“Not only will our corporate packages give female employees the opportunity to take advantage of our services and facilities — including an on-site creche — but they will also form a significant part of our revenue generating strategy.”

The trio are hoping women who see the benefits will back the idea in equity crowdfunding, with nearly half of the $408 million spent on flexible workspaces in Australia last year being made by women (48%).

Oonagh said what they wanted from a coworking space didn’t exist.

“We need to change the working landscape for women to enable them to make work work, whatever that means for them,” says Oonagh.

“By creating an integrated online and offline space that supports how women work and live, we’re providing a platform for women to succeed, and a community in which we can all thrive.”

Collective Hub CEO Lisa Messenger is among those backing the concept.

“Working the way you want to work and living the way you want to live is not only possible, it’s preferable. For that reason, I think what Frankly Co. are doing is amazing,” she said.

The Birchal campaign is here.