St. Charles Entrepreneur Hauser and Her Catalyst Coworking Win National Award

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Chicago Area Chapter is pleased to announce that Mara Hauser, president of the Hauser Group, has been awarded the prestigious Cynthia Bland O’Toole New Venture Award for the creation of Catalyst Coworking—an innovative new company designed to help entrepreneurs work better and smarter. 

The New Venture Award is unique in that it recognizes NAWBO members who, through innovation and entrepreneurial creativity, develop a marketable business venture.  The venture must be less than two years old and must meet specific requirements of viability. The award is named in memory of a NAWBO past president, Cynthia Bland O’Toole.  For that reason, award applications are reviewed by NAWBO Chicago past presidents.

Hauser’s signature company, The Hauser Group, is one of the nation’s leading interior design and project management services.  Catalyst Coworking is an outgrowth of The Hauser Group and was developed over the last year.  Catalyst Coworking blends the firm’s unique skill-set in order to capitalize on the rapidly growing worldwide trend toward coworking – an innovative approach to dedicated office space that provides home-based workers, entrepreneurs and independent employees a stimulating, professional alternative to the isolation of working alone.

Catalyst Coworking is a branded coworking space model that incorporates flexible meeting and workspaces, extensive amenities and benefits, and educational and social opportunities.  Catalyst Coworking spaces are open, collaborative work environments made up of a community of professionals who work alongside one another but on their own projects or businesses. They combine the comfort and amenities of an independent office/home office with the aesthetics and vibe of a café, thereby creating the ideal inspiring work environment.

The 2013 Cynthia Bland O’Toole New Venture Award will be presented to Mara Hauser onThursday, October 24, 2013 at the Women's Business Initiative Program -- from 1:30 to 6:00at the Westin Chicago River North, 320 N. Dearborn.  NAWBO CHICAGO and ALFA INTERNATIONAL are the co-sponsors. 

According to NAWBO Chicago president, Lori Hilson, “NAWBO is pleased to present this award to Mara. Her new venture truly shows that women business owners are keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive in this country.  Clearly women-owned businesses are helping to grow our national economy through jobs creation and by opening up creative new opportunities for others to follow.”

Congratulations to Mara Hauser and Catalyst Coworking.