RESTON, VA--(Marketwired - May 12, 2016) - Refraction, a unique and dynamic co-working community, is expanding its Northern Virginia hub to support the region's start-up community. A shared space that unites business visionaries, creatives, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, Refraction is doubling its space to 23,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the expansion of award-winning Canvas and house up to 50 organizations or 250 entrepreneurs daily.
Purpose-built to support and encourage innovation, Refraction offers a place where the innovation ecosystem can connect, peer mentor and grow their teams in the workplace of the future. With the newly expanded space, Refraction will continue to serve as an anchor and thriving ecosystem supporting the DC metro and Northern Virginia hub entrepreneurial community.
"Our goal is to work against the common misconception that the best and brightest startups need to gravitate to Silicon Valley and New York," said Rae Stott, Director of Refraction. "The past 12 months has seen 3 successful exits, and multiple awards won by our member companies, including Canvas' recent recognition as Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work 2016. Our company's success validates the collaboration and engagement philosophies Refraction champions and facilitates."
Canvas has several initiatives that are contributing factors to their recent WBJ's Best Places to Work in 2016 award. One of the most popular among employees is its flagship "Ante Up" Program. Ante Up encourages employees to have a wider appreciation beyond their normal working environment, identifying a non-profit they are passionate about and want to support. In addition to allowing the non-profit to use its platform for free, employees can donate their time (with no loss of salary) to help embed Canvas into the supported organization.
"At Canvas, we are firm believers that team work and creativity require bringing together diverse viewpoints, not just from the technology industry but from other walks of life as well. Refraction forges a strong bond among entrepreneurs, artists and not-for-profits that we can all benefit from," said Canvas co-founder and CEO, James Quigley. "Being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work is a testament to sharing a space that encourages community, not simply a place to work. We are proud to share this award with the other members of Refraction."
This year marks Washington Business Journal's 10th annual Best Places to Work program. Companies are judged based on the results of an employee survey administered by Quantum Market Research. Winners and rankings will be announced at an upcoming award ceremony on June 9, 2016 at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. To celebrate the Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work award and the grand opening of the newly expanded co-working space, Refraction, a launch party will be held on Thursday, May 12, from 6 - 9 p.m. EDT.