Ayers Entrepreneur Center anchors downtown Parsons co-working and business support

The Ayers Entrepreneur Center in downtown Parsons has established itself as a practical economic development asset for Decatur County entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote professionals. Located at 52 West 8th Street, the center combines flexible workspace with business support services designed to reduce startup costs and keep economic activity in town.

At the center, users can choose from day passes, basic and standard memberships, or private office options. Shared amenities include reliable high-speed internet, conference and meeting rooms, and an AV studio for producing video or audio content. Staff also run occasional community events and trainings and offer business support programs aimed at helping early-stage ventures with planning, marketing, and operations.

For local small-business owners and independent contractors, access to conferencing facilities and a professional mailing and meeting address can mean a quicker path to landing clients who expect office-level amenities. The AV studio adds a modern marketing capability many sole proprietors lack, enabling cost-effective creation of promotional videos, online classes, and social media content without long trips to larger cities.

Beyond individual benefits, the center plays a role in local market dynamics. By lowering overhead for new enterprises, co-working and incubator-style services can increase the rate of firm formation and reduce the startup capital needed to test new ideas. For remote workers who might otherwise commute to larger employment centers, a nearby workspace helps retain daily spending on food, services, and retail in Parsons. These demand-side effects support downtown merchants and stabilize commercial occupancy along 8th Street.

The center's mix of membership tiers also addresses differing growth trajectories. A founder can begin with a day pass or basic membership and scale into a private office as hires or revenues increase, preserving continuity of operations and local ties. Meeting rooms and conference facilities make it easier to host out-of-town clients or training sessions without outsourcing space in neighboring counties.

To use the center or learn event schedules, community members can visit the center’s site at ayersfoundationtrust.org/aec. Because the center operates as both workspace and a focal point for trainings, it also serves as a visible point of entry for anyone considering entrepreneurship in Decatur County.

What this means for readers: the Ayers Entrepreneur Center reduces early costs for businesses, offers professional space for remote work, and helps keep economic activity in Parsons. Expect modest but tangible gains in downtown foot traffic and a stronger pipeline of locally based startups as the center continues programming and outreach.