Community Building
How to Activate Your Community with a Small Budget?
Community Manager Series | October 2025 You don’t need a big budget to build a thriving community — just creativity, intention, and a willingness to connect. This piece explores real, proven ideas for
Fiona Mayor
Community Manager Series | October 2025
You don’t need a big budget to build a thriving community — just creativity, intention, and a willingness to connect. This piece explores real, proven ideas for community activation on a small budget, shared by experienced operators in coworking and flexible workspaces.
That was the key theme of Flexible Workspace Australia’s latest Community Manager Series event, How to Activate Your Community with a Small Budget, where community leaders shared clever, low-cost ways to build genuine connection in coworking and flexible workspaces.Hosted by Romany Lee (WorkLife NSW) and supported by our Community Managers Committee — Rebecca Freestone (Cubes Co), Tia Veech (WOTSO) and Lauren Hardy (Spacecubed) — the session celebrated creativity under constraint and the art of doing more with less.The panel featured three inspiring speakers:
- Kayna Tingay – Community Experience Manager, Riva Offices
- Nikol Rorvik – Co-Founder, Fleks Workspaces
- Stephanie Clark – Space Leader, WOTSO Liverpool
Creativity Under Constraints
“Real beats polished.” When budgets are tight, innovation shines. Kayna shared how Riva Offices launched a member podcast using in-house equipment and her own editing skills. Each episode became a source of fresh content — repurposed into blogs, EDM features, and social posts — while helping members connect on a personal level. One episode even led to two members collaborating after hearing each other’s stories. At Fleks Workspaces, Nikol introduced themed long-table lunches where members shared a meal and conversation. Charging a small participation fee not only covered costs but also reinforced commitment. “Breaking bread builds belonging,” she said, showing that connection often grows from the simplest experiences. Steph from WOTSO Liverpool focused on authentic storytelling, using quick, unpolished videos and behind-the-scenes moments to showcase real people in real workplaces. “Members love seeing the human side of their space,” she explained. “Authenticity builds trust far faster than perfection.” Try this: Start a member spotlight series, host a casual pay-it-forward lunch, or film a short video highlighting your space — keep it simple and genuine. This is community activation on a small budget in action: real voices, real stories, real connection.Food, Rituals & Everyday Connection
“Community happens over coffee, not just events.” Big events aren’t the only way to bring people together — daily rituals can be even more powerful. Kayna described how micro-engagements like Easter egg guessing jars, “Riva riddles,” and affirmation notes help spark quick, joyful interactions. These small touchpoints encourage conversation at the front desk — the social heart of the workspace. Nikol introduced Lunch Club at Fleks, a simple daily ritual where members bring their lunch to the same outdoor table. “It only takes one person to sit down before the table fills up,” she said — a reminder that consistency creates comfort and connection. Steph turned unused whiteboards into a WIN Wall, Book Nook and Fridge Door Recommendations board. These everyday features became ongoing spaces for sharing achievements, swapping books and discovering local cafés. Try this: Repurpose what you already have — a wall, a whiteboard, even the fridge door — into a space that encourages daily connection and pride. These are low-cost, high-touch behaviours that build belonging over time.Partnerships & Shared Value
“Collaboration multiplies reach.” Partnerships stretch resources and strengthen community ties. Kayna shared how partnering with a member psychologist helped Riva Offices deliver meaningful mental health events for R U OK? Day and Movember. Not only did it provide professional insights, but it also spotlighted a member’s expertise and built genuine value within the community. Nikol highlighted how Fleks partnered with local wineries and charities for after-hours events that raised funds and attracted new faces to the workspace — turning underused space into opportunity. Steph discussed WOTSO’s partnerships with Service NSW and local councils, who offer free business advice pop-ups. These collaborations bring new people into the space, showcase the brand’s community values, and support local small business growth. Try this: Partner with member businesses, cafés, or local councils for shared events. Collaboration is one of the most cost-effective ways to amplify your reach and is a core strategy for community activation on a small budget.The Art of Hosting
“Hosting is the heart of community.” Being a great community manager is less about managing and more about hosting. Nikol spoke about respecting members’ lifestyles and designing events that fit around them — short coffee catch-ups, lunchtime gatherings, or seasonal social events. She also noted how furniture layout can foster connection: “Five small tables keep people apart; one big one brings them together.” Kayna described her approach as being a social connector — focusing on small, meaningful gestures like remembering a member’s favourite tea, or connecting two people who could collaborate. “You don’t have to do everything,” she said. “Just do what matters with intention.” Steph likened the role to being a camp counsellor for small business — making sure everyone feels seen, supported and comfortable. “Never underestimate the power of a chat in the kitchen,” she said. “That’s where the magic happens.” Try this: Take a daily walk around your workspace, speak first to quieter members and look for small ways to anticipate needs before they’re voiced.Key Takeaway
As the discussion wrapped up, one message resonated above all: “Community is built through intention, not expenditure.” Whether it’s an affirmation jar, a shared lunch, or a quick, unpolished video, small moments of authenticity and connection are what truly activate a community. The How to Activate Your Community with a Small Budget session reminded us that creativity thrives on constraint — and that the most meaningful engagement often comes from the simplest ideas, executed with care. The full recording of this session is available exclusively to Flexible Workspace Australia members. If you’re not yet a member and would like access to our learning series, events, and member resources, we’d love to welcome you to the FWA community. Learn more about membership →Fiona Mayor
Contributor
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