As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to shutter businesses through state-issued orders, one local entrepreneurial space has announced some drastic changes that might end up being more long-term.
Idea Foundry CEO Casey McCarty published a statement today on social media that effectively, all staff — including herself — were being let go from the Franklinton-based maker / coworking space.
“As of the most recent communications, our owner-landlord is not permitting an outright rent suspension, and further, the Idea Foundry cannot apply for SBA assistance until all owners consent to the application,” stated McCarty. “Any disaster relief will be many weeks or months away, if at all.”
On March 16th, the Idea Foundry halted all non-member general public access to the facility, postponed all classes and events. All members of the space were still allowed access given that they adhere to social distancing guidelines and staying home if there were any household illnesses.
McCarty went on to say in her statement that the operations of the space have been difficult over the past several years due to some financial challenges.
“We closed a five-figure monthly deficit from when I took over to consistent, though narrow positive margins,” she explained. “Although our capital solutions were declined by owners, we were still able to keep it going, despite all the setbacks and constant uncertainty.”
McCarty thanked her staff for their accomplishments and expressed some concern about whether or not the space may be able to continue operating in the future.
“I do not know what, if any, version of the Idea Foundry will exist in the future, but I am proud of the work we did,” she stated.
For more information, visit www.ideafoundry.com.