Tips for choosing the best coworking space for your start-up

Coworking spaces are growing in popularity as a workplace alternative, especially among startups.

If you’re a startup yourself and you are not sure how to pick the best possible coworking space for you, here are a few useful tips we learned after many years of experience managing Focus.

Determine what your needs are

Like most business decisions, choosing the right coworking space also starts with nailing down the goal. Why would you need a coworking space? What can a startup hope to gain from such a workplace? When you know your goal you will be able to determine what qualities you are looking for in a coworking space.

Let’s put it this way if you have a goal to host more meetings, looking for available meeting rooms and conference-calling should be one of your top priorities when looking for space. Your startup needs may be as simple as having very fast wireless, or printer access at all hours. But be careful not to confuse your needs with wishes. Free coffee is a great perk, but is it really a necessity?

Create a list of the top needs and wishes in a coworking space, and make sure they are all based on your goal. Then use that list to evaluate potential coworking spaces and pick the one that is the most suitable for your startup goals.

Take into consideration your current startup stage

When you’re choosing the best coworking space for your startup, make sure it caters to your current business stage. 

Take into consideration the next questions: Are you just starting out? Are you planning to hire more people and will you need more space? Is your team small, and set for now?

If your startup has been just you, you can’t and a dog until now, transitioning into coworking space might bring your business much-needed professionalism and connections, along with of course organized infrastructure. 

If your team, however, is a functional working team, then choose a coworking space that suits them too and allows you all to communicate easily and collaborate on projects. The better your team gets integrated, the higher are your chances of achieving set goals.

Location is (still) very important

Location is still a very important factor. The location you pick should support your professional growth and the well-being of your employees. 

The ideal coworking space should be easily accessible for every team member. It should also be located in a good location, that is convenient for clients or investors.

Company culture plays a leading role in which location you choose nowadays. For example, if your startup is health-oriented, then it might be a good idea to choose a coworking space that has fitness amenities on the premises or at least nearby.

Think ahead

Imagine this situation: getting stuck in a space that doesn’t fit your needs. Frustrating isn’t it? Consider your future needs carefully when you’re choosing a potential space. 

While a specific coworking space appears as the best option, take into consideration your long-term plans, especially those that can lead to your startup outgrowing the space. If there is a chance that you might need to end the membership in a coworking space, don’t choose a space that doesn’t offer a flexible contract you’re comfortable with.

There are so many great coworking spaces out there, and new ones are opening relatively fast, you are bound to find the one with the right amenities, facilities, and community that will support your startup. The coworking space you choose should have a community that is willing to help you take your business to the next level and thrive.