Offices For Startup Companies
“A big business starts small” is a quote by Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic Airlines. A creative mind, an innovative idea, a determination and a lot of dedication are the primary factors to start a business. Once an idea translates into a real business opportunity, capital can be raised from family and friends or from financial institutions such as banks or venture capitalists alike.
One of the first things a startup entrepreneur needs to do is to set up a proper legal entity and find an office which gives it a formal business address as well as a suitable working environment. Here is a list of office types to choose from:
1. Home Office
The founders of Microsoft and Amazon reportedly started their business in their garages. Apple, Facebook and Alibaba also started from their home offices. It is the easiest and cheapest choice although it may not be ideal for everyone. Moreover, in certain country like Indonesia, business domicile address has to be in approved business zone.
2. Virtual Office
A virtual office allows you to have an “office” in a prime business district without having to pay much cost. Virtual office gives you the flexibility in that you can work from anywhere you want, while your day-to-day operations such as phone and other secretarial matters are taken care of by the virtual office provider. You can come in to your office anytime you like and enjoy the office facilities including lounge, meeting room and even a working desk. Virtual office gives you a prestigious business address as well as easy access especially the one that is located in CBD areas.
3. Coworking Space
If you prefer more social interactions with other people when you are in your office, then coworking space is a good option. Coworking space has increasingly become popular because of its setting that allows you to network, interact, and socialize with other people from various background. You can rent one or more working desk within coworking space. In addition, coworking space also comes with the benefits that a virtual office offers, including meeting room, lounge, and secretarial services. Coworking space may not be ideal for those who prefer privacy.
4. Serviced Office
A serviced office is a fully furnished “office within an office”, meaning you can rent an office space as your dedicated office. It comes in different sizes, each of which can accommodate 1 to 20 people or more. It gives you the privacy of having your own office yet without the hassles of having to spend capital on fittings nor to hire administrative team. Just like coworking spaces and virtual office, serviced office gives you the benefits of using meeting room, lounge and having full time secretarial services.
5. Conventional Office
Conventional office is the most expensive choice of all. You will need to spend more capital to rent a bigger office space for receptionist area, lounge as well as meeting rooms, and you will need to furnish them. In addition you will need to hire administrative team to manage the office. Given the extra capital and overhead expenses, it may not be ideal for startup companies, although it gives more privacy than any other types of office.
A famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once quoted: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. What makes successful entrepreneurs are their guts to take a leap of faith to realize their ideas no matter how inconceivable they seem to be. It does not matter if they start in their garages or basement, what matters is their self confidence, determination and dedication to succeed.
The above article is contributed by Amethyst Executive Suites, provider of Serviced Office, Coworking Space and Virtual Office with offices located at Sahid Sudirman Center, Jl. Sudirman (Central Jakarta CBD) and 18 Office Park, Jl. Simatupang (South Jakarta CBD). To find out more about our services and promotional offers, please visit www.amethystsuites.com or call +62 896 3694 1711 (Sahid Sudirman Center) or +62 896 3694 1722 (18 Office Park).
