Flexible Workspace for Rent Might Be Your Startup's Office Answer

How do I get commercial space for my startup? Get out of the garage with short-term lease solutions.

You’re at the beginning of it, the very start of your company.

It’s been something you’ve wanted to do forever, or maybe it’s something you thought of last week, either way, you’re starting.

You’re doing the thing.

via GIPHY

Since kicking off your startup (yes, you can call it that), you are likely strapped for time, looking for space solutions that fit within the current financial status of your company, but you still need a space that supports your growth.

You know as well as anyone, where you plant your business matters. It’s not about the amenities at first, it’s about a place you can go and grind out the work, a place you can invite collaborators, advisors, supporters, and maybe even potential investors. Proximity to resources, talent, and potential clients are a bonus.

In the early stages of your endeavor, here are the top short-term commercial workspaces for rent.

Pro Tip: long-term commercial real estate contracts are not always the answer

Co-working is here to stay.

The way we work is changing, and to the benefit of many entrepreneurs out there, Co-working spaces have made their mark in countless communities. They’re hot, they’ve got the La Croix, flavored water, the comfiest seats on the planet, some of the coolest interiors, and probably some of the best technology you can access. I’m looking at you WeWork.

But, it comes at a price. It’s crucial to consider the cost vs. benefits of working in a co-working environment. Think about it, if your primary goal for the next couple of months is to get your MVP built, then it might be best to consider a different short-term flexible space solution, especially when you consider the cost of co-working spaces.

On the other hand, if you need to have contracted talent close to you, looking for networking opportunities, as well as the amenities, then coworking might be perfect.

But, there are other flexible space solutions.

This is a newer concept in the world of commercial real estate: sharing space.

Think about it, we share everything. Airbnb taught us that we can profit off of our home, Turo did the same for cars, and services like Lyft told us that conventional transportation systems can be changed.

With tools like SpaceTogether, you can find equipped space that can work for you from minutes to months.

Here’s an example: You need an office space. In your area, there’s likely an accounting firm, law firm, or another downtown company who isn’t using all of their offices during its usable time. So, they list the space on SpaceTogether and you’re able to rent it out at a duration that works for you.

With tools like this, you can hammer through development, find a place to meet instead of a coffee shop, and even rent out a gym if that’s what you need.

This flexibility is paramount for early-stage endeavors. It’s a way to save money and decrease your risk during this fragile time.

You can always go for a commercial lease.

Yes, this is an option. Often, we talk to bootstrapping startups who are unable to personally guarantee their commitment to a long-term commercial real estate space. But, others can.

When you’re searching for a commercial lease, make sure you do your research and ask the right questions. 

Be on the lookout for the terms and contract structure that works for your business and goals!

via GIPHY

Keep grinding

I get it, finding the right space is tough and making that decision can weigh on you, but here’s a quick nougat of support: keep grinding.

If I’ve learned anything about our own team’s startup journey, it’s that you should find a space that flexes with you.

This space should not hold you back at any point in your startup lifecycle. The amount of change that happens even in the first three months of starting is amazing. So make sure you think about a workspace that works for you, not the other way around.

Long term commercial space is not the only option. Grow your organization with space sharing. From finding good, reliable shared spaces to handling logistics along the way, SpaceTogether is here to help you.

You can take a peek at what we have over at SpaceTogether to see if you can find a short-term space solution.