Located at 415 12th Ave SE, inside the Geonetric Building, Vault Coworking & Collaboration Space stands as one of Cedar Rapids’ long-standing hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. Powered by NewBoCo (The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc.), Vault has been shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for 13 years, predating even NewBoCo’s own 10-year impact celebration, set to conclude with EntreFEST in June 2025.
Founded by Andy Stoll (co-founder & founding board member of NewBoCo), Amanda West (Founding Board Member and Team Lead of ESHIP Summit Community Team at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation), and Theresa Bornbach, Vault initially opened in the Guaranty Bank Building. In August 2014, it moved to its permanent location in the Geonetric Building, becoming part of NewBoCo’s broader mission of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
A Cornerstone of NewBoCo’s Ecosystem
Vault has played an essential role in the growth of Cedar Rapids’ entrepreneurial community. Executive Director Jill Wilkins reflects on Vault’s place within the NewBoCo ecosystem;
“The Vault is an important piece of our NewBoCo ecosystem because it very purely represents the Collaboration piece of our name,” Wilkins says. “It creates a space for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and remote workers to run their businesses without having to invest in office spaces that don’t meet their needs. More importantly, it builds a community where these business owners support each other, fostering collaboration and peer relationships.”
Looking ahead, Wilkins envisions Vault continuing to be a core driver of Cedar Rapids’ entrepreneurial community. “In the next 10 years, I see Vault as the nucleus of Cedar Rapids’ entrepreneurial and small business community. We’re excited to welcome new members while maintaining a space for businesses of all kinds to thrive under one roof. The support they receive from NewBoCo staff and other Vault members is a key part of our community.”
A Space for Entrepreneurs to Connect
Vault has evolved into a coworking space with members ranging from freelancers to remote workers for larger companies. One of its long-time members, John Foster, who has been part of Vault since its founding, was drawn to the space by the energy of working around other people.
“I was/am a freelancer and hated working alone at home. It was nice to be around other people and offer my services, but more than that, it was about the atmosphere,” Foster explains. “In the last 13 years, I’ve been amazed at how well Vault adapts. It even survived COVID! With different people coming and going, Vault has always rolled with it and remained the best coworking gig in town.”
Eric Engelmann, founder of NewBoCo, recalls how Vault fit into the larger innovation ecosystem from the beginning:
“We needed a physical place for entrepreneurs to connect, work together, and learn from each other,” Engelmann says. “Being adjacent to the accelerator program and NewBoCo’s other initiatives helped facilitate cross-pollination between entrepreneurs. Vault members offered services to accelerator teams, such as videography, making connections happen faster and easier. That collaborative spirit is what continues to make Vault a unique space.”
A Unique Community
For Jill Wilkins, one of her favorite memories is the organic connections that arise. “My favorite memories have always been the random gatherings and conversations that spring up between members. We’ve had moments where we all stand at the windows together, chatting and observing our community. Those are simple, shared experiences that I treasure.”
Eric Engelmann recalls unique moments like the annual “Tim Tam Slam” event, organized by an Australian member, Jo Miller highlighting the camaraderie that exists at Vault.
Looking to the Future
As Cedar Rapids’ entrepreneurial landscape grows, Vault continues to adapt, connecting individuals and providing a space for creative collaboration. Engelmann sees the next decade as an opportunity for Vault to grow further, saying, “We have members who’ve been here for a decade, some who are new, and others who drop in occasionally. Vault will continue to thrive, bringing people together, whether they’re running local businesses or working for global companies.”
Vault offers a variety of amenities, including conference rooms, private phone rooms, a café and kitchen, complimentary beverages and snacks, free off-street parking, and indoor bike storage, making it an attractive space for those seeking a supportive coworking environment.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for connections or a remote worker seeking a change of pace, Vault offers more than just a desk—it offers a community ready to collaborate, inspire, and grow.
Join the Community
Vault Coworking & Collaboration Space continues to be a dynamic hub in Cedar Rapids. For more information on how to become a part of this vibrant community, visit Newbo.co/vault-coworking/ or drop-in by purchasing a day pass here; https://newbo.co/series/vault-coworking-day-pass/
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