When you think of business, what immediately comes to mind? Is it something that already has all the resources they need, and they’re already working on branding strategies? Is it someone who already has their website up and some social media followers? It’s all going to vary from one entrepreneur to another, and that even goes for the business itself. But you still need to keep in mind that embarking on the journey of small business ownership often requires resourcefulness, especially when it comes to securing a physical workspace.
This is a contributed post. Please refer to my disclosure for more information.
Some business owners don’t need a space. Instead, all they need is a laptop, and they can work from literally anywhere. But if you’re providing a service, like a massage, or you’re selling something like food or candles, then you need a space. Your home isn’t always going to be the best option, and random public spaces probably won’t help either.
It needs to be consistent! Many entrepreneurs find themselves in need of a temporary solution until they can invest in a permanent space. It’s never ideal, but sometimes, at the beginning, things might be rocky and unpredictable, and your workspace is included in that.
However, with that said, you can still make this work. Sure, it’s a bit challenging, but you can do it. So, here are some practical strategies and alternatives for small business owners who are seeking affordable, temporary workspaces to kickstart their ventures.
Look Into Co-Working Spaces
These are mainly only available in larger cities, so if you live in a big city, this could actually work out in your favor. So, if you’re able to look into it, be sure to consider shared offices and co-working spaces, which are excellent options for small business owners looking for temporary, cost-effective workspaces.
There are companies like WeWork, but there are plenty of others, too. These spaces provide the amenities of a traditional office, including internet access, meeting rooms, and a professional environment, all without the commitment of a long-term lease (as you can see, there are loads of benefits). This solution is particularly beneficial for businesses that need a physical space for meetings or collaborative work.
Look into Your Local Library or Community Center
This is also going to depend on where you live, as each country (and even region) varies. But for the most part, local libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost meeting rooms and workspaces. Just be sure to check with your local library or community services to explore the availability of spaces for business-related activities. This not only helps you save money but also allows you to engage with your community in the early stages of your business.
Consider a Pop-Up
So this is a great way to really get your brand out there, and it’s honestly really nice for drumming up some hype, too. So, if your business involves selling products, consider temporary retail pop-ups. Even if you’re selling food, you can even have a mini food pop-up too, like a cafe or bakery. These can be literally one day, one week, or even one month (it kind of depends).
You can usually expect to find many landlords open to short-term leases for entrepreneurs looking to test the market. Plus, when you’re all done (until there’s a permanent location), you can then just simply put your things away in something like a self-storage facility. Some storage facilities let you work a bit on your business there, but you’d, of course, need to ask. But in general, when it comes to reaching out, Pop-Ups just might work for you.
Maybe a Business Incubator?
It really depends on your startup because there’s a chance that your business might not even qualify for something like this. You can usually count on business incubators, and accelerators often provide temporary office spaces for startups.
These programs offer more than just physical space; they provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that can accelerate the growth of your business. But again, it usually depends on the size of your newly found business, the industry, what it does, and a few other things. So, this may or may not work.
Try to Do What You Can at Home
If possible, it may just be a good idea to try and optimise your home office for business activities. Even if you don’t have a home office, but something as small as a studio apartment, then it might be able to work out, too. You just need to dedicate a specific area, invest in essential equipment, and create a professional atmosphere. Even the smallest of nooks and crannies can get the job done.