Overhead costs for a startup add up fast. That’s one reason why coworking has become so popular, particularly for entrepreneurs. In 2018, the number of coworking spaces in the U.S. alone grew by 16%, and you’ll find more than 35,000 spaces around the world today. However, the benefits of coworking go beyond cost savings. Check out these other major perks of making a shared space the headquarters for your startup.
Coworking doesn’t lock you into paying for office space you don’t need. You’re free to choose between shared and dedicated desks, or you can rent a whole private office to have to yourself. It doesn’t matter if you need your work area a couple of days a week or most days out of the month; there are options to fit every business structure and budget. If possible, look for a coworking location tailored to your niche or positioned near other beneficial support, such as a business incubator or accelerator.
It gives a much better first impression when you can sit down with clients in an office or meeting room rather than your home office or a coffee shop. The use of meeting rooms may be included with the fee you pay for your coworking space, or you may be able to rent rooms on an as-needed basis. This gives you the freedom to meet with one client in a private space or gather a whole group of potential investors for an important presentation.
You probably can’t afford technology like top-of-the-line 3D printers or a professional-quality A/V system on a startup budget. Before coworking became available, your only options were to take out a loan and be in debt or to wait until you saved enough to invest in better equipment.
Coworking spaces eliminate this dilemma. Whenever you’re there, you’re free to use the high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, presentation equipment, and other tools in your daily work. On your break, you might even be able to grab free coffee or tea and some snacks from a communal kitchen.
Coworking environments attract the best and brightest from a range of backgrounds, and you never know who you might connect with at any given time. Talented people from your niche and related industries are available to bounce ideas off of, collaborate with or even bring on board. Building relationships with others in your coworking space is a great way to find help with tough tasks or get advice on the best strategies for growth.
Starting out in a coworking space gives you the freedom to pursue your business goals in a professional environment and focus your attention on what really matters instead of worrying about your budget. Once you’ve established a solid foundation for your business, you might choose to move to a dedicated office space or keep enjoying all the benefits coworking can offer.
CEO Centers FLEX is a modern, collaborative workspace in Duluth, Georgia curated around a community of entrepreneurs and creative early-stage companies. We offer a variety of coworking spaces – from hot desks to private, executive offices – all at an affordable price.
If you are looking for a coworking space, contact CEO Centers FLEX. We offer several membership levels that all include high-speed internet, access to the kitchen and lounge with a free coffee and tea bar, use of our business center and concierge services. Contact us today to learn more about the FLEX community.
