As Columbus grows, so has the need for work spaces. However, not just any normal work spaces, but co-working spaces. You have probably seen them all over Columbus, you just didn’t realize it.
The Tri-Village area alone is home to co-working spaces such as Haven Collective and COhatch the Overlook. And these spaces are truly extraordinary for small businesses.
“A co-working space provides a unique atmosphere where people can build upon each other’s businesses and help each other grow,” says COhatch the Overlook community manager Madison McGraw.
“My business has grown just by going downstairs, grabbing a cup of coffee and chatting with members,” says Yasmine Robles founder of Robles Designs and tenant of Haven Collective.
Co-working spaces provide small businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers with opportunities that they would most likely never encounter by working from home.
“I worked from home for many years,” says Erin Tennant, director of operations for the Columbus location of Sitting Made Simple and tenant at Haven Collective. “It was very isolating. It was very hard to build relationships and get out into the community while [at a co-working space] it is so easy - it is right at your fingertips.”
Co-working spaces also give small businesses the flexibility they need to succeed. Co-working spaces offer many options from just renting out a seat at a desk next to other freelancers and small businesses to renting out your very own office.
“[A co-working space] is a great way to level up and be more professional without the commitment that traditional leases put you in,” says Melissa Blackburn co-founder of Haven Collective. “We make it that flexible so that we can grow with you. If you are with us and you are successful enough that you are out getting your own space, then we are going to be popping champagne with you and be so happy because we were part of that journey.”
Co-working spaces also give small businesses the focus they need. When renting from a co-working space versus a traditional office space, small businesses and entrepreneurs don’t need to worry about everyday problems businesses often run into, especially when they are just starting.
“When you are a small business you have funds that you have to keep tight. So, with renting a co-working space you actually have an all-in-one solution for your business,” says Beth Menduni, brand stylist and content strategist for Mkg Dept and another tenant of Haven Collective. “They [Haven Collective] do everything for me. I don’t have to worry about paying an internet bill, buying coffee, getting paper and ink for the printer, shoveling the snow - they take care of it.”
Practically any business can work in co-working spaces. These co-working spaces have everyone from freelancers, writers, entrepreneurs and real estate agents to lawyers, marketing specialists, brokers and everyone in between - completely inclusive.
And why has this community of co-workers seem to be rapidly growing in recent years?
“I think there are two reasons: there’s been a shift in corporate culture, a lot of large corporations are offering flexible full time so there is a need for a space for these people to work. People don’t just want to work at their house. It sounds great in theory, but then they have kids at home and laundry and so they need somewhere to go and work,” says McGraw. “Also, culturally no one wants to work at a cubicle anymore. So, these spaces are beautifully designed spaces where people can work but take advantage of all the other benefits that a co-working space has to offer.”
And together, the co-working spaces in the Tri-Village area are not just benefiting the local economy by supporting small businesses, but by actually being more hands-on in their community.
“Co-working spaces keep people comfortable and happy,” says Danielle Lim, co-founder of Haven Collective. “Because [co-working spaces] attract all of these freelancers and consultants it keeps them from moving away - it keeps them happy in the communities they already live and thrive in. It gets them out of their isolation, and I think that’s the thing that encourages them to participate in their communities a little bit more.”
Sara Dowler is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
