It’s time to move on into a new “permanent†location. We must vacate our current Alamo Street location by September 30. We owe a debt of gratitude to our King William neighbors Gina and Joey from Madhatters for letting us crash at their corner spot. It’s been great for visibility, great for creating some coworking coziness but for meetings and events, not so much. So, we’re on to C4 Workspace, Part Deux. Or maybe not.
Let’s talk
C4 Workspace in San Antonio has been on the ropes for quite a while. Debbie, Perla and I have personally supported it for as long as we were able. This summer has allowed us to get some bills paid off but there are still others to take care of. We are very thankful to all those who supported us with donations over the winter. What is really needed is community support.
We’ll be hosting a lunch next week to get your input on the next location. We have some prospects lined up but will need an upfront financial commitment from about 10 people to make it fly.
Yes, the Economy Sucks
Crappy time to be asking for a financial commitment from you, huh? But the world is what it is. Chaos and change is constant. We know that coworking works locally as well as across the U.S. and around the world. Austin is at 10 coworking spaces, Dallas has 4 or 5, Houston 2 or 3 and there are more than 400 nationwide.
Connections and relationships have been created in the short time, and with a relatively small number of people, that C4 Workspace been open. Big ideas (like TEDxSanAntonio) have been been born and nurtured. These are things that have long term gain and (sometimes) no short term gratification.
So we’re asking for a commitment, an investment, in a concept that creates and builds a better living and working community for San Antonio.
Laid Out for All to See
Here’s the breakdown of the expenses necessary and the revenues required to make C4 Workspace viable.
Expenses Rent $ 2000.00 Electric $ 300.00 Internet $ 200.00 Alarm $ 100.00 Telephone $ 75.00 Supplies $ 100.00 Groceries $ 200.00 Insurance $ 200.00 Cleaning $ 100.00 Debt Service $ 500.00 Investment Service $ 500.00 $ 4,275.00 Revenue Resident Desks (Five @ $250.00/month) $ 1,250.00 Coworker Desks (Ten @ $150.00/month) $ 1,500.00 Offices (Two @ $600.00) $ 1,200.00 Hourly Desks (Forty hours @ $5.00/hour) $ 200.00 Conference Room/Event Rental $ 200.00 $ 4,350.00Â
At the moment we have One Resident Desk, One Coworker Desk and One Office spoken for. That’s $1,000.00 of revenue. Do the math.
Location. Location! Location?
We love Downtown. We think it’s the Big Opportunity for San Antonio. Many people feel as we do. Many (have told us they) feel it’s really cool, but it’s too far to drive to and parking is a hassle. So, let’s talk location.
Downtown has the most affordable rents in the city. And it provides the greatest access and connection to the community and all that can offer. But maybe close to Downtown offers that as well? We’ve looked at some spots north of Downtown, as far north as Olmos Park. But once we get outside 410 the opportunities dwindle. The rents are higher, the spaces less connected (except by car) to the area around them and the options are limited to office parks and suites or strip center retail.
So what will work? You need to speak up.
Not Just a Shared Office
Coworking is not about sharing the expenses of an office. Yes, there is that advantage but it’s really about making a connection with people, pooling ideas and resources, commiserating over clients and celebrating successes. Together.
So let’s meet for lunch next week. Breakfast if that’s better. Watch for an invite and bring your ideas, comments…and your checkbook. It’s time to put up or shut up.
