IT Crowd is part of Nexrow, and at the same time, it is the first coworking space in Bitola, a product of a shared vision for creating a workspace that truly embraces and elevates modern working life. The company started as a software development company, which later expanded into IT Crowd. They have a coffee bar and comfortable areas to sit and chat, as well as, scheduled events and meetups where members can socialise, network, and gain new leadership and inspiration.
Challenge overviewNexrow (development part) was not affected much by the Covid-19 pandemic. The IT Crowd suffered some losses from the beginning, people came in for socialising and working, and the next step was to maintain the business by sending proposals to companies for collaboration. They organised events where people working on their own are welcome in the IT Crowd, and if somebody has something unclear about a program (Java, C++ etc..), they have conversations where they help each other if they get stuck on a particular thing.
At first, people had no idea what a co-working space is. So they had to explain themselves and how they maintain the business.
They also made some adjustments because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was a challenge for the IT Crowd to maintain its position. They had some unexpected losses because of the crisis, but not giving up was a key factor, and now people are more aware of what they do and what their purpose is.
Establishment of the organisation/initiative/enterpriseFirst, in 2018, the entrepreneurs established Food IT Crowd. Nexrow was established as a company later in 2020. On 26 May 2021, IT Crowd came to live. They came up with the idea way before, but they needed some time and a business plan on how they will implement and realise the idea into a business that would work.
The story behind this initiative is that Ilche Bedelovski came up with the idea to have a co-working space where people can come and share their ideas and thoughts because even though they are developers, they still need to socialise and talk with other colleagues. This allowed Ilche Bedovski to implement this idea.
Management structure and governanceIT Crowd is a for-profit company. Its management activities are done internally with meetings by colleagues where sometimes Ilche is present as well. They look to work with monthly packages and events, so they lower the chances for people to take advantage of the “free working space”.
Principles of work, objectives and activitiesIT Crowd’s principles of work are simple. The team tends to stay focused on a task until it is complete before moving to the next step. They mainly work by setting objectives and goals and are doing contracting work with some of their partners.
Currently, they are focusing on personal projects rather than projects for other companies. Part of their activities is meetings where all colleagues would gather and share their new ideas to start or write a new project that will gather them more income.
The combination of a well-designed work environment and a well-organised work experience in the kitchen are some of the main reasons why people are in love with the co-working space.
Target groupsAll age groups are welcome to enjoy the quiet co-working space and the benefit is that they can enjoy a hot cup of coffee with breakfast, provided by Food IT Crowd.
InnovationIT Crowd is unique because the team organises events for small children aged 8-12 and also has events for experienced adults. The diversity that this place has makes it extraordinary and stands out from the rest. It is more than just a co-working space. They also try to create a cultural environment where people can feel comfortable doing whatever they like.
Key partners
IT Crowd mainly collaborates with IT companies in North Macedonia and abroad. The team focuses on large projects and works with local IT specialists.
Impact and EvaluationThe positive influence is that everybody is welcome whether they like to eat, rest, read a book, work, socialise, or just enjoy a cup of coffee. Many companies are developing in the IT sphere. IT Crowd (a co-working space) can be easily adapted because it promotes the idea to socialise and have a quiet place for working, as well.
RecommendationsIT Crowd is chosen as a best practice because it has three services pretty much in one. Food service started in 2018, and later, the team developed a website for people to order food online. Today, it offers a space where one can go and work, which is an IT Crowd. Also, one can order food and drinks, and if they are looking for a job as an IT developer, they can apply. So basically, this company does contracting work with its partners, and apart from that, everyone has a “second home” where they can go to either socialise, read a book, work, study etc.
Lessons LearnedThe lesson learned is always to revise your investments and go through the risks you need to take. At the time being, they were not aware the Covid-19 was coming, and they had to adjust their business plan as time passed.
References IT Crowd website. Food IT Crowd website
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