Idea Works, Inc

We’re a Nonprofit Making an Entrepreneurial Impact

Richland County has not truly recovered from the manufacturing downturn that led to the “Rust Belt” label, and many in our community are still suffering from the loss of the large businesses that closed their doors or left our region. For Richland County to thrive, it needs a strong economic foundation that can no longer be built on old-fashioned business models like giant manufacturing plants. At Idea Works, we offer targeted support and opportunities to those who are reinventing what a successful business looks like. 

Idea Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in downtown Mansfield and is the passion project of a small but dedicated team that is proud to call Richland County home and strives every day to nurture entrepreneurs — providing them with the space they need to help turn their ideas into successful businesses. We offer a variety of coworking spaces, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and Idea Works Kitchen, which is focused on supporting food-based businesses.

Why do we do what we do?

• By connecting professionals with the community and resources that strengthen their business we support
  the economic growth of our community.

• We know that starting a new business is a huge financial commitment. By providing shared-use space (think Uber rideshare, Airbnb home share) we remove some of that start-up overhead burden.

• Being centrally located in Ohio, with easy access to many major thoroughfares, Richland County is perfectly positioned as a hub of business and economic development. 

• We support solo entrepreneurs who want to be in business for themselves -
  especially if they don’t have a big budget to match their big idea.

• By supporting all types of businesses we are impacting our community with lasting economic growth.

What have we done in the past year?

• We continued to provide space and amenities to more than 50 businesses of all kinds and in all stages of growth at our coworking location at 40 W 4th Street and our commercial kitchen at 144 W 3rd Street, Mansfield, Ohio.
• We are proudly the home of Richland Source at our 40 W 4th Street coworking space.

Why Should You Support Idea Works?
There is no shortage of wonderful nonprofits that you can contribute to during the 2023 Richland Gives campaign. We’re looking for supporters who believe that the key to Richland County’s progress is a solid economic foundation that does not exclude those who have innovative ideas with no means to implement them.

In the coming year, we want to continue to build out and offer even more coworking space, host a farm-to-table fundraiser, grow the downtown Mansfield food truck park, and improve the Idea Works Kitchen to welcome even more members. And so much more!

We believe in the promise and possibility of Richland County. Please join us in our efforts to create a strong economic foundation that will move us all forward!