As Omaha’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to flourish, many small businesses are seeking innovative ways to scale efficiently and cost-effectively. One such solution that has gained immense popularity is co-working spaces. Beyond offering just a desk or office, co-working environments in Omaha provide a flexible, collaborative atmosphere that allows businesses to grow without the financial and operational constraints of traditional office setups.
We sat down with Josh Peterson, Marketing Director at Elevator Spaces, a leading co-working and co-warehousing facility in downtown Omaha. In this exclusive interview, Peterson offers insights into how co-working spaces are transforming the way small businesses in the area operate, and why they’re essential for entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.
The Growing Role of Co-Working Spaces in Omaha’s Business Ecosystem
Peterson, who has been at the forefront of Omaha’s digital and entrepreneurial scene, explains how the rise of co-working spaces in Omaha is not just a trend but a necessary shift in how businesses approach scaling. “We’ve seen a significant uptick in small businesses, especially in e-commerce and tech, opting for co-working environments because of the flexibility they provide. Traditional office spaces come with rigid leases and high overhead costs, which can be daunting for startups or growing businesses,” Peterson shares.
But the benefits go beyond flexibility. According to Peterson, co-working spaces foster a sense of community, which is vital for entrepreneurs who often feel isolated, especially during the early stages of their business.
1. Flexible Solutions to Scale Without Long-Term Commitments
One of the most compelling reasons Omaha entrepreneurs are gravitating toward co-working spaces is the flexibility they offer. Peterson highlights how Elevator Spaces has helped numerous local businesses adapt their operations to fluctuating needs without being tied down by long-term leases.
“At Elevator, we offer month-to-month memberships, which are ideal for businesses in growth mode. We see companies that need extra space during peak seasons, or those that need to downsize during quieter periods,” Peterson explains. “Having the ability to scale up or down without penalty is a huge advantage. It lets companies focus on growth without worrying about being locked into an expensive lease.”
“In our first six months at Elevator Spaces, 316 Strategy Group expanded twice and tripled our space to accommodate our rapid growth into video production. The team at Elevator was incredibly accommodating, providing the flexibility we needed to scale our physical footprint seamlessly. Their support made all the difference during a pivotal time for our company.” — Joseph Kenney, Founder of 316 Strategy Group
This adaptability is crucial, especially for small businesses and startups in Omaha. The ability to increase or reduce office space as needed allows them to optimize overheads, reinvesting those savings into other areas of the business, such as marketing, product development, or staffing.
Image: The expansion of the award-winning 316 Strategy Group includes a new photography & videography studio.
2. Building a Collaborative Community of Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
While flexibility is a key advantage, Peterson emphasizes that community is what sets co-working spaces apart from traditional office environments. “When you work in a co-working space, you’re not just renting a desk—you’re joining a community,” Peterson says.
Elevator Spaces, like many other co-working hubs in Omaha, fosters a collaborative environment where business owners can network, exchange ideas, and even form partnerships. “We’ve seen businesses grow significantly through collaboration. In fact, we’ve had members form joint ventures or land new clients simply because they were part of the same co-working space,” Peterson adds.
We’ve seen businesses grow significantly through collaboration. In fact, we’ve had members form joint ventures or land new clients simply because they were part of the same co-working space in Omaha. ~ Josh Peterson
In such a setting, entrepreneurs have the unique opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, gain fresh perspectives, and access resources they may not have been aware of. “That kind of access is invaluable for small business owners who may otherwise work in isolation,” Peterson notes. “The energy and innovation that comes from working alongside other entrepreneurs can propel businesses forward in ways they might not expect.”
3. Streamlined Operations Through Co-Warehousing Facilities
For Omaha’s growing e-commerce sector, logistics and inventory management can be a huge challenge. Peterson explains that co-working spaces like Elevator are increasingly integrating co-warehousing solutions, offering businesses a dual-purpose environment that supports both their office and operational needs.
“Co-warehousing is a game-changer for e-commerce businesses,” Peterson says. “It allows companies to manage their inventory, shipping, and fulfillment all in one place, eliminating the need to lease separate warehouse space. We handle the logistics so they can focus on growing their business.”
Elevator’s co-warehousing facilities include on-site storage, packing stations, and even daily carrier pickups, which can significantly reduce the time and hassle involved in managing inventory and shipping. “We’re really seeing companies streamline their operations by utilizing co-warehousing. It reduces overhead while improving efficiency,” Peterson adds.
We’re really seeing companies streamline their operations by utilizing co-warehousing. It reduces overhead while improving efficiency. ~ Josh Peterson
This integration of office and warehousing is particularly valuable for Omaha’s e-commerce entrepreneurs, allowing them to keep everything under one roof and scale more efficiently.
4. Cost Savings with All-Inclusive Pricing
When it comes to running a small business, every dollar counts. Peterson points out that the cost savings associated with co-working spaces are a major draw for Omaha entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional office leases, co-working spaces typically offer all-inclusive pricing, bundling utilities, high-speed internet, office supplies, and even coffee into one monthly fee.
“One of the key advantages is that businesses know exactly what their monthly expenses will be—no surprise costs, no hidden fees. That makes budgeting much easier, especially for smaller businesses with tighter margins,” Peterson explains.
He adds that by keeping overheads low, businesses can reallocate those funds into areas that directly impact growth. “We see many businesses able to invest more in marketing, hiring, or expanding their product offerings because they’re saving so much on office space.”
5. Improved Work-Life Balance and Productivity
Another often-overlooked benefit of co-working spaces is the impact on work-life balance. Peterson notes that for many entrepreneurs, particularly those running their businesses from home, separating work from personal life can be difficult.
“Co-working spaces offer a clear distinction between work and home. Having a dedicated space to work means that when you’re at the office, you’re focused, and when you leave, you can truly disconnect and recharge,” Peterson says.
He goes on to explain how this separation can actually boost productivity. “We’ve found that having a designated workspace increases efficiency. People are more productive when they’re working in an environment that’s built for focus, away from the distractions of home life.”
Peterson sees this as especially important for Omaha’s small business community, many of whom are juggling multiple roles. “Balancing personal and professional life is hard enough for any business owner. Co-working spaces help create that division, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business during the day and enjoy their personal life at night.”
A Dynamic Future for Omaha’s Co-Working Spaces
As Omaha continues to grow as a hub for startups and small businesses, Peterson believes that co-working spaces will play an increasingly important role in the city’s economic landscape. “We’re seeing a real shift toward shared workspaces, particularly among small businesses and e-commerce entrepreneurs. Co-working spaces offer the flexibility, cost savings, and community support that these businesses need to scale efficiently,” he says.
For entrepreneurs ready to take their business to the next level, co-working spaces like Elevator offer a dynamic and flexible environment designed to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating an environment where businesses can thrive, and that’s exactly what we aim to do here at Elevator,” Peterson concludes.
Image Credits: Josh Peterson
