A new Business Development Centre concept in Winkler is hoping to launch a wave of small to medium businesses into the market by providing discounted office space.

The centre at 201 South Railway Ave. offers strip mall spaces as well as a hub of 17 offices that can be rented month to month, providing home businesses with a low-risk opportunity to get out of the basement.

Known at Office 201, the project provides individual office renters access to a common boardroom and free internet.

"At $395 per month... nearly any business can afford to start here," Business Development Centre rep Dave Kasdorf says, adding it's a low-risk leap to take their business to the next level, and one that doesn't carry a long-term commitment.

He notes the project pairs well with Winkler's entrepreneurial spirit, "and this gives even more people the opportunity to start a business or to grow into something they're not sure is ready to take off."

"Any business needs to start somewhere, and we think this is a great place to start."

The Business Development Centre held an official grand opening Thursday.

Interior of the Office 201 second floor

The Business Development Centre, located at 201 South Railway Avenue in Winkler

Project reps (far left) Dave Kasdorf and Russell Dueck together with Winkler Chamber of Commerce President Kori Da Costa watch on as Councillor Henry Siemens cuts the ribbon at the centre's grand opening Thursday