Quigley Meets with Local Entrepreneurs at Free Range Office Workspace

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) toured Free Range Office, a facility providing flexible shared space for small businesses in Wicker Park, and met with local entrepreneurs to discuss ways the federal government can aid their growth. Startup companies create an average of three million jobs across America each year and have significantly contributed to the country's net job growth over the last three decades.

"American innovation and entrepreneurship are the keys to job creation and long-term prosperity," said Rep. Quigley. "Free Range Office is an invaluable resource for our local entrepreneurs who are looking to make the leap from just working in the jobs they have to building the careers of their dreams."

Rep. Quigley joins local entrepreneurs to discuss how the federal government can help them overcome economic hurdles like access to financing.

"Support and interest from lawmakers like Rep. Quigley brings attention to the importance of coworking spaces to Chicago's startup and independent worker community," said Liane Jackson, founder of Free Range Office. "We're excited to finally offer a dynamic coworking community in Wicker Park - part of the congressman's district - and to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, remote workers, and others, to launch, engage, and get productive."

Rep. Quigley tours Free Range Office with its founder, Liane Jackson (left).

Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of congressional lawmakers who promote policies that harness American ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurship to grow our economy and create jobs. He supported the 2012 Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which focused on helping entrepreneurs raise the capital they need to expand and increase job creation. Locally, Rep. Quigley has met with startup companies at 1871, a digital co-working center, to discuss the importance of high-tech entrepreneurship and ways the federal government can support the industry.

Opened in November 2013, Free Range Officeis the only coworking facility in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. They cater to all types of entrepreneurs and independent workers offering 24/7 access and a collaborative, supportive community of like-minded individuals who "work outside the box." They have private offices for business teams, as well as open desk space and a large conference/meeting room available to the public. Free Range Office also holds seminars, classes and events - everything from a "Quit Your Job Bootcamp" to estate planning to public relations training.