SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - If you run a small business, there’s a good chance you can find affordable office space. But what you may not find is flexibility, and you could get stuck with a long-term lease.
Or, you could consider one of the many co-working spaces around San Diego. 10News is taking a closer look at that option in our quest to help you Make it in San Diego.
"This is a tiny, skinny office that can seat two people but that's all we need," says Kyle Carpenter looking around his 15-feet by 6-feet office.
Carpenter is CEO of SolidSurface.com
"So yeah, we just launched this," adds Carpenter showing off his new website design.
RELATED: Tips to help you work from home
SolidSurface.com is an online market place for decorative kitchen and bathroom surface material sold directly to consumers. Carpenter founded his small business in 2007 and used to run it out of his home. But, one thing was missing.
"I needed a space to work, but it was also very important to be around other people," says Carpenter.
He found that social interaction and affordable shared office space at Cross Campus near downtown San Diego.
"That's why we exist, to bring people together. So, people can be productive in this space and also help each other out," says Briana Tovey, Senior Campus Manager at Cross Campus in San Diego.
Cross Campus also has locations in Los Angelesand Scottsdale and each office has the space to host larger events. The shared office space here in San Diego is over 20-thousand square feet housing about 250 members.
"First of all, we're in Little Italy, which is very cool," adds Tovey with a smile.
Going to work within walking distance to the city’s trendiest restaurants, cafes, and bars is an excellent start. An entrepreneur, a writer, any small business for that matter can use a desk for as little as $300 a month. From there, think a la carte for office space. And as your company grows, Cross Campus has the space to help you do so. In addition, for small businesses just trying to navigate through growing pains, there is no long-term commitment.
"One of the benefits of our space is that we’re super flexible,” says Tovey. “So, you don't have to commit to a 3-year lease or even a 1-year lease.”
You also avoid the cost of a complete build out. Your desk, internet, printing, coffee, snacks, kitchen, they're all provided. Plus, the occasional community happy hour. You can't get that at home.
"To be able to be around this sort of creative, vibrant community," says Carpenter "It’s kind of inspiring."
Cross Campus will give you a tour of their San Diego location if you're in the market for shared office space. There are also numerous co-working spaces throughout San Diego County. Below are just a few that might fit your needs:
CommonGrounds is located in Carlsbad conveniently across from the Poinsettia Coaster Station. This site captures the California work-life with expansive outdoor seating and patio area centered around INVITA café. Their on-site chef cooks daily organic specials that pair beautifully with the cafe's Italian espresso beverages.
CommonGrounds features private offices, traditional co-working, and meeting spaces housing over 200 members representing over 100 companies.
WeWork has locations in La Jolla UTC and Downtown.
Premier Workspaces has locations in Downtown, La Jolla,Del Mar,Mission Valley, and Rancho Bernardo.
Regus offers both Commercial Office Space and Co-working space.
