The MEC is truly the hub for entrepreneurship in Loudoun County, a critical economic development element that did not exist until 3 years ago.   Through its programs the Mason Enterprise Center has attracted entrepreneurs who were once working in isolation, into a growing community of innovative ideas, shared experiences, and synergistic resources. I have personally experienced the benefits of this community through the vetting of two new startups I am in the process of launching.   Being able to meet with other MEC entrepreneurs in a room with a whiteboard provided much needed insight and perspective to help accelerate the progress of the projects.

I've grown more in the past four months at the MEC than in the past two years in sublet offices and at home. The Mason Enterprise Center is more than just another office space; it's a community of entrepreneurs sharing experiences, new ideas, lessons learned and camaraderie with kindred spirits. The community created collectively by the MEC staff and members motivates each of us and offers a collective knowledge base that just isn't possible working from home or in standard office space. There is a palpable energy here [at MEC] and being able to drop into the office of a peer who knows what you're going through, has ideas how to help or just a sympathetic ear to your challenges is invaluable.

As a growing, veteran-owned company I leveraged the MEC network through Susan Henson to find a small business that offered professional services in the area of Human Resources. We received several vetted referrals and selected HR Leverage LLC to best meet our needs. All professional services are scalable & readily available to meet the growing needs of our company— from web-based scheduling of meeting rooms to fast set-up of land line phones.

After years in the real estate business I finally launched my own brokerage at the MEC. By saving on overhead costs in this initial start-up period I have been able to grow my business 30% faster than if I had been paying ‘established business rate’ elsewhere. Plus, the ready access to other MEC businesses helps me quickly solve problems and helps to motivate me to succeed.

As a start-up, we’re not prepared to commit to long term leases that are inherent in traditional office spaces, until we operate for a bit and can be more certain of our longer term needs. The MEC allows for the flexibility to scale up space for meetings as we need it. Also, being housed with other small companies, each with employees of diverse backgrounds & expertise, allows us to exchange knowledge and problem solving experience with fellow entrepreneurs.

I am so grateful for my community of MEC friends.  They may not be in my industry, but they are great business people who I can go to for other business advice. Plus, the MEC Director has connected me and provided me with opportunities to publicize my work through other organizations.