Located at 63 Putnam Street in downtown Saratoga Springs is the headquarters of The Business Hub America - and that’s just what they do. The Business Hub is a physical space. It’s a co-working environment where its members can come and go around the clock to conduct any and all business needs.

Co-working spaces are shared work environments where individuals from various companies and professions work side by side. Unlike traditional offices, which are typically reserved for employees of a single organization, co-working spaces are open to freelancers, remote workers, startups and even established businesses looking for flexible office solutions - like a satellite office. These spaces often offer a range of amenities, from high-speed internet, printing services and private meeting rooms to kitchens and communal lounges.

In the last decade, and even more so in the post-pandemic landscape, the concept of co-working spaces has transitioned from a niche offering to a mainstream solution for modern professionals. These shared work environments, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and companies work under one roof, have reshaped traditional notions of office work. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, co-working spaces are emerging as a pivotal element in fostering productivity, flexibility and community. One of the key drivers behind the rise of co-working spaces has been the shifting nature of work itself. The traditional 9-to-5, office-based work environment is no longer the only option for professionals. Advances in technology and a growing emphasis on work-life balance have contributed to a surge in remote work and flexible working arrangements. Co-working spaces offer a solution that combines the benefits of a structured office environment with the flexibility of remote work.

Co-working spaces first gained prominence in the early 2000s, with the launch of pioneering organizations like “WeWork” in New York City. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: provide a shared, flexible workspace that could be rented on a short-term basis, rather than committing to a long-term lease in a traditional commercial real estate setting. This model quickly attracted freelancers, startups and even established businesses looking for more adaptable and cost-effective office solutions. For Robert Starbuck, owner and founder of the Business Hub in Saratoga Springs, it allows for companies to maintain a “small real estate footprint, but a larger commercial one,” he told Saratoga Business Report. Plus, members of Saratoga’s Business Hub can maintain a downtown Saratoga Springs address, which is never a bad thing! The Putnam Street office is membership based, and its members are allotted 24/7 access to all the amenities on offer. This flexibility allows individuals and businesses to scale up or down as needed, making it an attractive option for startups, small businesses, lawyers or traveling professionals that need an upstate satellite office.

Robert Starbuck has been in international business for 40 years, traveling and establishing business centers from Europe to the Middle East. Importantly, Robert still believes there is much opportunity right here in Saratoga. “Saratoga is very competitive, and it’s good competitive, and it's a very good industry and we think there is still a lot of opportunity here [when it comes to coworking spaces].” For local professionals and small businesses, there is a huge benefit that The Business Hub can provide - and that’s a physical address. Not only does this mean client meetings no longer happen at a coffee shop, but more importantly it means one’s business can become Google verified. Google allows business owners to create and verify their own business data through their Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business. Owners provide Google with business information including address, phone number, business category and photos. Then, Google’s staff check, correct and validate these listings. In other words, the physical address tied to a business ensures that the business does not get overlooked in search engines as potential customers look for services that business owners can provide.

As the world of work continues to evolve, co-working spaces will play an increasingly important role. The rise of hybrid work models are expected to further drive demand for flexible workspaces. Not only does this way of working provide employees more flexibility but it can also save employers huge amounts of capital in commercial real estate. Plus, co-working spaces formulate their own type of business ecosystem as its members often get to know each other and then rely on each other for different types of services that each other could provide. In other words, Hub members can find opportunities that would perhaps be unrealized in a typical setting, it allows for local professionals to lean on each other in a cohesive way.

“For me, it was a game changer,” explained a local business owner and recent Business Hub tenant. “It established two things–visibility and credibility. It’s such a huge difference to say ‘We can meet at my office’ than to have to explain your business address is actually your home. Plus, in the time I was there, I made some great networking contacts and even a few clients from right in the building. I had already been in business for a few years but that was a real ‘level-up’ decision.”

To find out more about the services The Business Hub offers, their other branches or to see if it could be a fit for your business, visit: thebusinesshubamerica.com - or better yet stop by at 63 Putnam St. Suite 202 in Saratoga Springs and take a tour!