A new co-working space has come to Richmond to help make small, local businesses more affordable and transform underused communal spaces into vibrant hubs of industry.
CityHack, a company which rents out co-working spaces, recently opened a hub based at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport in Richmond. This is just the latest in a growing trend in Richmond.
Kimberly Tholl, the founder of CityHack, hopes this space hopes to offer solutions for a broad group of workers, including freelancers, independent consultants and software developers whose company's headquarters may be located in another province or country.
"Metro Vancouver has become very expensive during the past decade. I’ve heard stories of small businesses, startups and freelancers who couldn't afford office space, and they have to work from home or in coffee shops," said Tholl.
As a former independent consultant, Tholl knows the challenges people face when it comes to finding affordable working spaces.
"I tried to work at home, but it was hard. Netflix is here, the snacks are there; there are just too many distractions," Tholl said, "I ended up working in coffee shops, but you are pressured to buy food and drinks while sitting there. Sometimes you can't even find a table."
As Tholl struggled to find a good working environment, she realized many spaces in the city are underutilized, and she started brewing an idea: transform hotel space into co-working space. Hotels could get extra exposure and traffic during traditionally quiet weekdays, and people looking for a working area could get comfortable amenities.
"It (the collaboration) could be a win-win situation, and then I started talking with the hotels. It turned out there was a fit," she said.
CityHack has a monthly membership model for its co-working space, costs such as electricity, hydro, coffee, tea, printing services and high-speed internet access are all included in that fee.
A membership also gives members access to all four locations run by CityHack.
The co-working industry has expanded over the years with more companies in Richmond offering a similar service.
Hilbert Ng, the owner of Network Hub, launched his business on River Road in Richmond three years ago. He said the co-working market is growing, particularly among millennial workers.
But while millennials are most open to the co-working concept, the business has attracted mixed age groups, including students to people over 50 years old, Ng added.
Wendy Wan is a freelance contributor for a company headquartered in New York City. She has been using co-working spaces in Lower Mainland for several years and recently relocated to CityHack.
According to Wan, there are many benefits to using co-working space, from living a healthier lifestyle to expanding your social circle.
"I worked from home for probably about a year. Frankly, it's unhealthy. You won't leave your house for days at a time...Using co-working space creates a 9-to-5 schedule and holds you accountable," added Wan.
"If you work alone, you have no one to talk about the day-to-day things with, even the minimal chitchat. However, I did meet lots of friendly people from co-working space; they’ve become my good friends now."
