umber talks

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Community: Oakville’s ACE Coworking Story with Nancy Fornasiero

Kristen Denis and Shaun Denis

In this engaging episode of Umber Talks, hosts Shaun Denis and Matthew Denis sits down with Nancy Fornasiero, the founder of ACE Coworking, to dive into the world of coworking, entrepreneurship, and the power of community-driven spaces. A staple in Oakville’s business scene, Nancy shares her journey from publishing and writing to creating the town’s most vibrant coworking environments.

If you’ve ever considered working outside your home office, renting a flexible office space, or collaborating in a creative business hub, this episode is for you. Nancy reveals how coworking spaces fuel innovation, build connections, and help businesses thrive—all while offering a hospitality-first approach to flexible workspaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Birth of ACE Coworking – How Nancy transformed a personal drive for connection into Oakville’s leading coworking space.
  • The Power of Serendipity – How random coworking encounters have led to game-changing business collaborations.
  • Why Community Matters – How a coworking space can accelerate success for entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers.
  • Adapting to Demand – How Nancy pivoted from hot desks to private offices to meet Oakville’s changing workforce needs.
  •  The Future of Flexible Workspaces – Why landlords should rethink traditional leases and consider new partnership models.
  • Expanding the Vision – Nancy’s take on future locations, design concepts, and unique coworking amenities (yes, even a golf simulator!).
  •  Oakville’s Best Local Businesses – Nancy shares some of her favourite hidden gems that make downtown Oakville a special place.

Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, remote worker, or just someone who loves community-driven spaces, this episode is packed with insights on collaboration, business growth, and the future of coworking.