Franklin Innovation Center

In partnership with the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and the generous support of Calvin LeHew, Williamson, Inc. is excited to announce the opening of the Franklin Innovation Center. As part of the Franklin Grove restoration project, the Franklin Innovation Center is housed in a newly renovated 4,100 square foot historic mansion just blocks from downtown Franklin.

About the Space

The Franklin Innovation Center provides a collaborative environment for businesses, featuring 5 individual office suites available for lease on 1-year terms to selected companies, alongside coworking space for members. Our members enjoy access to various amenities including a conference room, kitchen area, phone booths, and a spacious outdoor seating/work area with dedicated Wifi access. To support group work and presentations, we provide mobile TV carts and whiteboards. Our dedicated office suites come pre-furnished with desks and group work-tables, and are fully reconfigurable to accommodate the needs of our members. Welcome to a space where innovation thrives!

Current Tenants

Former Tenants

Office Suites FAQ

Selection

Who is an ideal tenant for the space?

We’re looking for small businesses that are already generating revenue and need short term affordable office space to grow their business to the next level and create additional jobs in Williamson County.

 

How do I apply for office space?

Click on the application link above and fill out and submit the online application form.

 

Are there any businesses that are ineligible to be a tenant?

There a couple requirements to lease space in the Innovation Center.

  • The business must already be generating revenue
  • The business must have strong potential to add additional jobs
  • The business must have a 1-3 year growth plan that will allow them to grow out of the center

 

When will you notify me if my business has been selected?

Applicants will be notified as soon as all applications are reviewed by the selection committee.

 

How can I improve my odds of being approved as a Tenant?

The selection committee is looking for companies that have clear direction regarding their growth objectives and have a defined need for this short term affordable and collaborative space.

 

Is a deposit required to hold my spot?

No

Operations

How long is the lease term for the space?

The leases are signed for one-year and can be renewed up to 2 additional years. (Please note renewals are granted at the discretion of the selection committee.

 

How big are the offices?

There are 6 office spaces ranging from 150SF to 350SF.

 

What is the monthly cost of the office space?

The individual suites range from $400-$800 a month. You can scroll through pictures and details on each suite above.

 

What is included in the lease?

  • 1 year of dedicated office space
  • Usage of the Innovation Center’s shared facilities including phone booths, indoor and outdoor collaboration space, small conference room, and kitchen.
  • A complimentary membership to Williamson, Inc.
  • A complimentary membership to the Nashville Tech Council

 

Where is parking for the office?

Limited parking is available on-site, with additional free parking available at the 2nd avenue garage in Downtown Franklin.

 

How will my company receive mail at the Center for Innovation?

Companies are free to use the Innovation Center’s address to receive mail and will be assigned their own personal suite number for mail delivery upon signage of the lease documents.

 

Is there conference space at the Center for Innovation?

There is one 8-person conference room on the second floor of the innovation center. Tenants will also have access to reduced membership rates to use Williamson, Inc.’s conference space at Northside McEwen in Cool Springs, which features a 60-person large conference room will A/V equipment as well as a 10-person executive conference room.

 

What are the services provided at the Center for Innovation?

The primary offering of the Center for Innovation is reduced rate office space in a collaborative environment. In the coming months, we will be building out a referral network and mentorship opportunities for companies and local entrepreneurs to engage with members of the space. Members are also encouraged to participate in the variety of events and networking opportunities offered by Williamson, Inc.

Logistics and Miscellaneous

When does the Center for Innovation open?

The first round of tenants will be offered a lease contract beginning as early as July 5th.

 

What are the hours of the Center of Innovation?

Tenants will have 24-hour electronic access to the facility.

 

Do the doors lock on the dedicated spaces?

Yes. All offices have their own electronic access and can be locked when not in use.

 

Are there janitorial services at the Center for Innovation?

Janitorial services and trash removal is provided. The entire space will be professionally cleaned every 2 weeks. If tenants do not want their individual office cleaned they can leave a note on the door the day of cleaning. Tenants are expected to clean and tidy the common areas after use.

 

What is the technology infrastructure in the Center for Innovation?

The center offers high speed 300mbps internet, with hotspots located in every room of the house and outdoor patio ensuring a strong connection. The 8-person conference room features a 60inch TV for presentations, and 2 additional mobile TV carts will be provided on each floor of the home for tenants to share. One shared laser printer/copier/scanner is provided on the main floor.

 

Is the Center ADA accessible?

Yes.

 

How do I access the Center from the interstate?

The center is 10 minutes west of I-65 and is most easily accessed by taking exit 65 and travelling west on Highway 96 (Murfreesboro Rd) until you cross the Harpeth River, then making your first left onto South Margin Street. Tenants can access Franklin Grove Campus parking via 423 South Margin Street.

 

What is the history/significance of Franklin Grove?

Franklin Grove Estate and Gardens is a five-acre preservation project that will, over time, include a restored historic 19th century home for local and national art collections, a modern event conservatory center for private and public functions, recreated gardens interpreting the historic landscape from its inception to the present, and a restored 1927 Rosenwald school that will transparently tell the story of African Americans’ trials and triumphs for equal opportunity in education.  This is a multi-year project and renovation and construction will begin on the campus in 2021.

For information or further details, please email nick@williamsonchamber.com