UCo (Utrecht Community)
UCo, Utrecht Community, is a working community in the center of Utrecht, where entrepreneurs and SMEs build a sustainable, circular society and economy. We are working and learning together and connect with the world on a local and regional level. Uco offers 200 entrepreneurs 2000m2 work; demonstration and workshop space in a sustainable, circular renovated historic train shed from the NS. It is situated at the 2e Daalsedijk 6 behind the Amsterdamse Staatweg in Utrecht.
UCo is the larger sister of the Rotterdam ROco (Rotterdam Collective) founded by Except integrated sustainability. UCo is a community for pioneers in Utrecht 1800 m2 owned by the Dutch Railway company
When: Januari 2016- October 2017
Who: UCo Foundation, founded by Except integrated sustainability in cooperation with 100% Zomer as temporary director
Why: the timing was right in Utrecht. The city has a large social DNA and is now ready to implement sustainable and circular sustainable projects. 100% Zomer has the Utrecht network and the sustainable, circular and entrepreneurial experience to turn this start-up into a scale-up.
Results:
- 257.000 euro subsidy local fund
- New business clients
- Link to sustainable Dutch Bank for soft loan
- Co-guidance energy neutral rebuilding industrial heritage building
- Structured the internal organization
- Adjusted business case
- Developed subsidy plans
- Connected UCo with relevant stakeholders
- Started to built the local community ecosystem in and around UCO
- Business development services created and meetings held
