Do you think this makes sense? Initial investments to expand a business are daunting. The recent closure of Michael Humphries Woodworking, due to an illness, has created options for others looking to start, expand, or augment their enterprises by leasing and/or forming a co-op.

Like many, I began my business in my living room expanding bit by bit over the course of four decades to reach the highest end of fine woodworking.

Having access to advanced, and expensive, machines without shouldering the whole investment would have helped me.

We’re hosting a forum to provide information and scenarios on how a woodworking cooperative can accommodate multiple business ventures. Possibilities range from three or more woodworkers, or other artisans, forming a co-op to a single full-time woodshop on one side with benches in the second shop leased by the month or by the hour.

Business entrepreneurs and investors can also learn more about co-op specific lending opportunities and co-op forming technical assistance.

Purchased in 2000 and expanded in 2014, the building layout makes a variety of arrangements possible. The central 3,500 sq. ft. millroom is bordered by two bench rooms, each with four work stations. The second floor hosts ample office space and a one-bedroom apartment with woodflooring and a fireplace. I lived there for years, after my divorce.

Located in MA 10 minutes to I-91 and 15 minutes to Rt.2, this complete commercial cabinet and millwork shop offers easy access to local markets and to Boston, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Have you seen operations like this succeed or fail? Known any woodworkers this would be a good option for? The forum is on 10/2/19.