CTV News Ottawa

Updated: Sun Jul. 20 2008 7:18:03 PM

ctvottawa.ca

A new office complex in Ottawa is aiming to create the right conditions for the start-up community, according to landlord Ian Graham.

Known as the Code Factory, Graham says he wanted to create an atmosphere that encourages start-up companies with a new approach to business.

"We offer people private space if they want it or they can come and get together with other people in open coffee shop-style spaces. I don't believe people will want to work in cube farms. Things are changing, especially with the younger people," said Graham.

The occupants of the Code Factory mix and mingle business ideas. It's the new kind of business structure that Graham says needs everything from space to coffee, from wireless service to meeting rooms.

"People at this stage may not need every service, but there are ideas and start ups that slip away because they don't have help. This can help ideas come to fruition," said occupant Corey Tamas of The Other Side production company.

"This is an incubator but not a sterile one. There are lots of people to mix ideas and discuss things. It's much better than what exists now, which is cubicles," said software programmer and entrepreneur Mike McNulty.

Several years ago, Andy Moffat sold his Ottawa business to an American company. He started up something like the Code Factory and while he supports the idea, he feels there is a better way to help.

"Right now I am working with eight companies offering my services for free as a mentor and helping to make decisions of all kinds and offering what I think is good advice," he said.

For years, there has been talk in Ottawa of building a grand innovation hub worth millions in order to help new ideas and new companies take shape. Graham said he would rather see the cash go to very early-stage start ups.

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