ThriveCo co-founders Alex and Katie Silversmith put their collective experience to work to form a new co-working space in the heart of Clayton.
The two saw the need for entrepreneurs, startup companies, and even established businesses or executives of larger companies, to have affordable office space in a good location, with supportive services to help them succeed – and “thrive.”
And the response has been good for the first Clayton-based boutique space of its kind. Businesses have been making their way to take advantage of the cooperative memberships that are available.
Alex Silversmith had previous experience in a co-working environment, and realized that working teams need that extra support and access to services.
Katie Silversmith, who had extensive experience as a social worker, said that entailed listening to needs and wants of many different people and helping them solve various problems.
She now functions as CEO and director of operations for ThriveCo, and said her primary job is to make sure members have what they want and need.
“We want to decrease barriers of all kinds,” she said. “That includes barriers of entry, continuity, sustainability and growth.”
Though the Silversmiths have considered establishing a cooperative work environment that would utilize both of their skill sets for a long time, plans for ThriveCo really kicked into high gear last summer.
They started out revamping one suite in the Clayton office building at 222 S. Meramec Ave., but response was so good, they saw the need to add a second suite to form the resulting Suite 202 for ThriveCo.
The 5,004 sq. foot-space has 11 full-time private office memberships, several part-time private office memberships that offer five to 35 hours per week, dedicated desk memberships, general co-working memberships, and meeting room and event space rentals.
Monthly membership prices range from $350 for part-time office rental to a starting fee of $600 for full-time private office memberships. Office sizes range from 42 square feet to 232 square feet. Memberships include WiFi and other technology – and really important – covered parking. Mail services for those who need a physical address are offered for $30 a month
Silversmith said founding full-time office members will be able to customize their office furnishings, and added that a good part of the space is already spoken for.
“It is an ‘all-in,’” Silversmith said. “We feel like business people need the extra opportunities, not limitations.
“The top three reasons business fail are lack of capital, inadequate management, and business plan and infrastructure issues,” she said. “We help decrease failure due to these reasons with our concierge services.”
This may include business needs, like coaching, brand development, human resources assistance, and sources of capital (small business loans and venture capital), offered through various partnerships.
The company’s concept of comprehensive co-working also offers holistic support services for its members through the Work Perks Program that include a variety of discounts on things like yoga classes, massages, bike rentals, restaurant meals, gym memberships, and others that are still continuing to develop.
“And so many entrepreneurs have small children,” Silversmith said. “They need good, quality childcare, but either can’t find one, or when they do, there’s a wait list.
“We have helped solve that dilemma by partnering with early childhood caregivers, who have been vetted, and are offering affordable discounts for members – and they have availability,” she added.
“ThriveCo is also a diverse, inclusive and welcoming space for all,” Silversmith said.
So far, members include lawyers, a realtor, a business coach, nonprofits, a dietitian, a public relations firm, and creative and design firms, to name a few.
The Silversmiths make up ThriveCo’s current staff. Katie works on site on a daily basis; Alex is currently the assistant vice president of the Community Development Corporation at U.S. Bank, and is ThriveCo’s lead advisor. ThriveCo’s advisory board consists of eight established professionals.
The company is holding an open house from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25 to let everyone view the space and see just what a co-working environment has to offer. For more information or to make a reservation for the open house, visit thrive-coworking.com.
