Indy Maven, a local group focused on empowering and connecting Hoosier women, has launched an office space—Maven Space—in downtown Indianapolis. In addition to the coworking location, amenities such as gyms, cafes and relaxation areas will be available for employees.

Coworking, a concept in which employees from several different occupations work alongside one another, has slowly grown since its inception in 1995 and is predicted to continue to grow, with an estimated 40,000 coworking opportunities worldwide. There are currently 5,000 in the U.S. alone.

While coworking offers the potential for networking and diversity, answering the call for a curated coworking experience was the goal of Indy Maven co-founder and CEO Leslie Bailey.

Maven Space was created to “[give] women access to a powerful, professional network,” she said. As a launchpad for women-led business ventures, the group provides mentorship, workshops and classes.

“Here, women business executives, startup entrepreneurs, creatives, civic leaders and allies will come together to create a vibrant network of support for one another and elevate the ecosystem for women-owned businesses in Indiana,” Bailey said.

Since 2000, there has been a 114% increase in the number of female entrepreneurs in the U.S. Their leadership makes up 40% of all U.S. businesses.

Maven Space opened on May 16 in the OneAmerica Gibson Building, located at 433 N. Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis.