Monday, 27 February 2012

Finding The Right Startup Office Space

By Orlando Ring


Challenges facing a startup business are many. One of the most challenging aspects, however, is finding affordable office space that will meet their needs while staying within a budget. Large businesses that have extravagant budgets and generous investors may be able to use loans and capital to obtain nice offices with a permanent location. While these larger companies have expensive space, small startup companies are often left struggling to find even a hole in the wall so the office expenses don't eat up the budget.
In today's economy, it is no secret that taking on big financial investments and holding loans are a huge risk. As layoffs become a common occurrence, and businesses are going bankrupt, small startups have to become more conscientious about how they invest their money. This is more true as our economic climate make little guarantee for returns on investment. One of the ways that startups have figured out to save money is to avoid long term office spaces lease contracts. As an alternative, many are choosing shared office space with another startup business.
Shared office space brings a unique set of opportunities for small businesses. It allows the two (or more) startup companies to share the cost of leasing office space. This makes the cost less than most short term office spaces. With shared office space, the common areas and equipment can also be shared, such as copiers, faxes, and kitchen space. This means there is no need to make the large investment of office equipment. If there is a need for specialty equipment already owned by the other company, a "rental" type agreement can be made to use the equipment. This can save a tremendous amount of money on the front end for a small startup company.
Shared office space is not always desirable. If this is the case, short term office space is another good option. While it may be a little more than shared office space, it will save money in the long run as opposed to a long term lease commitment. There are many short term office spaces that come furnished with all the basics to get a small business running. This is often the best options for a startup unable to invest in large office furniture, or one simply wanting to put off that investment until in a permanent location with a determined budget. Entering short term office space contracts allows the startup to work in a dedicated office space while building staff and clientele. While starting, the process to obtain a small business loan can begin to help the business find a permanent location.
Many businesses need a dedicated office space to run a business, but there are many people who elect to have a fully functioning home office instead. In this case, a virtual office is a good option. With virtual office space, the business can obtain a collection of programs that make them fully accessible to clients through the phone or computer. There is meeting software, so multiple people can have meetings online to discuss business issues. Invoicing programs make sure it is easy for staff to be paid on time, and there are many programs to help make the presentations needed for any small business.
Startups that are on a budget have several options when it comes to finding the best space for a budding business. Doing your research and having a clear understanding of what you want makes it opportunity to find the right space instead of a task to find one you have to settle for.





However, if shared office space is not desired, startups can take advantage of short term office spaces as well. Though this will cost more than a shared office space situation, it will still save the startup money over a long term lease commitment. Many short term office spaces provide serviced offices which are already furnished and equipped with the basics needed to get your business up and running. This is particularly advantageous for a startup that is unable to make the initial investment toward large office furniture or equipment or simply does not want to make such purchases until settled in a permanent location in a more stable financial situation. By entering a short term office space, startups can begin working in their own space building a staff and begin the paperwork and processes needed to secure small business loans that can help them move into a permanent location when ready.








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