After graduating with a Master of Social Work in 2020, Liz Kovarsky faced the challenge of beginning a new career during a time of social isolation. She found herself craving deeper human connection and a more sustainable work-life balance. As she spoke with others facing similar struggles, an idea began to take shape: What if there was a place that prioritized community, creativity, and collective wellbeing?
That vision became Electric Cottage Collective (ECC), a makerspace and coworking space in Brunswick that combines creative coworking with wellness classes, community connection, and experimentation. Liz describes ECC as a “test kitchen” for those working toward meaningful change, offering a supportive environment that prioritizes relationships and wellbeing. It’s also intentionally accessible, with pricing options designed to serve a broad range of income levels.
As her idea began to take shape, Liz reached out to the Maine SBDC to explore the viability of her concept. She wanted guidance on developing a pricing model, identifying her target audience, and determining whether there was enough demand to support her vision.
With help from Business Advisor Chris Cole, Liz conducted market research and performed a competitive analysis, gaining clarity on how ECC could add to the local coworking landscape.
Running ECC while working full-time in social work has presented real challenges. Liz is energized by the diverse group of people the Collective brings together, including local politicians, ecologists, artists, farmers, and healthcare professionals. Managing both roles is demanding, but she has a small, dependable team who help care for the space and support one another when she can’t be there.
She credits the Maine SBDC with playing a vital role in bringing ECC to life, especially during moments of uncertainty when she wasn’t sure where to turn.
“Whenever I didn’t know the right form to fill out, or who I need to contact to get help with something, my SBDC advisor did, and if she didn’t she made it a priority to ask around and find out. I wouldn’t be here today without her. I also really appreciated the way that I was paired with someone that really took personal interest in seeing my idea come to life. It’s a very vulnerable thing to share a baby creative idea before it’s been fully hashed out. There’s always a possibility that others won’t understand it, and will judge it. Chris totally understood from the beginning, and took me seriously. That bolstered my confidence and propelled me forward for sure!”
Looking ahead, Liz hopes ECC can serve as a microcosm of what’s possible: “A beautiful place to work, play, and rest where connection, creativity, and collective wellbeing is prioritized for everyone, regardless of vocation.”
