Valdosta Shared Office Space Nurtures Area Start-Ups
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
Economizing on operating expenses and maximizing flexibility are critical for new business start-ups. According to the Small Business Administration, 49 percent of small businesses fail within the first five years. Choosing to lease from a shared office space provider can mean more flexible lease terms that include many amenities.
"We offer too many standard amenities to list but I am particularly proud that every single one of them is included in one low monthly payment," said Gino Fina, owner of Valdosta Shared Office Space (VSOS). "I've spent the past six years putting the newest technology in place."
Located in the historic Wisenbaker Building on North Patterson Street in downtown Valdosta, VSOS has 15 private offices located on two floors. It also has a conference room, work room, safe, kitchen and break room and reception area.
"Business in 2012 has been steady. We are operating at 70 percent occupancy and look forward to a full house once again as confidence in the economy increases over the next few months," Fina said.
Monthly expenses at VSOS can be as much as 65 percent lower than comparable office properties, according to Fina. Additionally, VSOS is located in the Valdosta Opportunity Zone, which means businesses can receive a $3,500 tax credit for every job created.
What Tenants Have to Say
Well-known companies such as LinkedIn began operations in shared office space. Recently, in major urban areas such as New York City, shared office space that brings together professionals in related fields have become popular. For example, one concept brings together graphic designers, marketing professionals, copywriters and similar types of professionals.
In Valdosta, VSOS caters to all types of companies including start-ups, companies that are downsizing and companies that want to run lean. Here is what some of VSOS tenants had to say about the shared office space concept.
Azalea Health Innovations, a leading provider in cloud-based electronic health records software (EHR), practice management software, and revenue cycle management services, began operations as a company in offices at VSOS. According to Azalea Health Innovations CEO and co-founder Baha Zeidan, "It is the best and most affordable way to create a professional image."
Azalea Health Innovations has since moved to a larger space downtown to accommodate their growing operations.
Smith Barnas & Associates, Inc., a provider of human resource management services, has grown in place at VSOS. According to Smith Barnas founding partner Megan Smith, "It’s an easy process; a simple product for a small business. You have your office and everything included and at the end of the month it is easy to budget."
More information on VSOS is available at valdostasharedofficespace.com.
