Helping small local businesses think big is Nic Parks’ favorite part of his newest endeavor. It’s the focus of the business incubator he founded, Parks Ventures. This new coworking space, located in downtown Columbia, offers members business consulting, access to venture capital and a cozy office space they can be proud to call their own.
While the business is only a couple of months old, Parks says the idea had been on his mind for a while. “Opening a business incubator was on my five-year to-do list, however, when this space became available, I had to fast track my plans,” he says.
The goal was to create affordable office space in Columbia since it can be difficult to find. “I decided to do my part to help change that,” Parks says.
Parks says his new company is the perfect spot for entrepreneurs to jumpstart their business. “Success is colorblind, gender neutral and has no age limits,” Parks says. It’s all about finding opportunities and working hard to reach your goals. “If you think you are going to fail because of some limiting factor, you will,” he says. “If you think you are going to succeed against all odds, you will.”
This rings especially true for Parks as he followed his dreams when studying at the University of Missouri and decided to switch his major from education to business. Now, Parks gets to use his entrepreneurial skills while re-sparking his love for teaching and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurism in Columbia continues to grow,” he says. “Columbia has a real chance to be the Silicon Valley of the Midwest if we continue to invest in supporting local entrepreneurs.”
Even after starting this new business, Parks says he is continuing to figure out what his long-term goals look like. “I still do not know what I want to do when I grow up,” he says. “There’s a chance I end up as a business professor.”
While Parks is the founder, his gives a lot of credit to his wife, Brooke, for all his success. “She is an amazing partner,” he says, who helps him keep a healthy work-life balance so he can be sure to, “Not miss any of my kid’s dance recitals, school performances or games.”
Parks Ventures has a prime location on Ninth Street, fitness area, kitchenette, bathrooms, a conference room with downtown views, silence booths and monthly networking events.
If you are looking to join Parks Ventures, memberships start as low as $99 a month.
PARKS VENTURES | 4 S. NINTH ST., COLUMBIA MO 573-818-4750 | PARKSVENTURES.COM
