Square One BGC: Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation's Co-Working Space Offering

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) has caught up with the newest trending business opportunity intended to target SMEs and startups. It is without any doubt that entrepreneurs are now greatly composed of even as young as new college graduates thus bringing assortment to the usual demographics.

I hear more and more newly grads that have set their eyes on opening their own business, either in a form of startup for those who need investment opportunities, or small and medium scale enterprises using capital borrowed mostly from their parents.

True enough, quite a lot of my younger friends are thinking of just spending a year or two with an employer but then soon resigning to setup their own business ventures. It is not only cool to become our own boss but also quite a remarkable achievement to be able to stand up on our own and receiving the full benefits and rewards once a business turns successful.

Though still one has to contend with very little financing capability thus many of these small time visionaries are eyeing on making a formal physical presence at coworking spaces. We all know that it's a lot better to meet our clients or partners at an office which we could call our own instead of lounging at coffee shops or restaurants.

Recently I've been getting a lot of event invitations that features new or expanding coworking spaces (shared offices) which confirms how popular this business venture has become. In a span of two weeks, I've been to four coworking spaces already, and this does not include the others that I've visited the past months of this year.

Square One BGC is a new coworking space offering of the FBDC that's strikingly huge. Located at the ground floor of the Bonifacio Technology Center which you can find at 31st street cor 2nd Avenue, its 200 sqm Social Hall alone could fit quite a lot of like-minded peeps for special events or gatherings. These minds are all aiming to soon become among the industry giants, and I am extremely hopeful that many would follow this trend, both coworking spaces and youth entrepreneurship.

I'm the early bird so you can see my bag at one of the seats located at the huge Social Hall

The enormous 200 sqm Social Hall is an ideal place to hold events and gatherings

Walking these halls will reveal offices A to M, the Pantry, the Meeting Room, the Printing Area and the Data Room of which some are still being completed

The Library is also huge

Check out the Square One BGC floor plan

Monica Llamas Garcia is a woman of many hats. She may look familiar as you can also see her on TV wearing one of her many hats.

Mario Berta, CEO of FlySpaces talks about popularity of co-working spaces worldwide

Eli Yaneza, Business Development Manager of Square One BGC talks about the newest co-working space in BGC

You can't help smiling with Francesca Padilla, Community Manager aka "Funbassador" of Square One BGC

You might see these ladies often hanging out at the newest co-working space called Square One BGC

I've asked a couple of key people from their business development headed by Eli Yaneza for some video invites and a short interview with Francesca Padilla, the Community Manager or "Funbassador" of Square One BGC. You may check them pout soon at our YouTube video channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

More photos can be found at our official Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Below is the official press release of the Square One BGC launch:

Beginning October 7, Square One BGC is opening its doors to dynamic individuals who are determined to make the most out of their ventures. The facility, built and developed by the masterplanners of BGC and inspired by the same spirit that has made this fast-growing city a key driver of business and lifestyle, is the newest co-working space in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Echoing the culture and energy of BGC, Square One is the perfect venue where passionate and creative minds meet, literally. While offering a fun and vibrant atmosphere, it is also a space that’s conducive for work. It has all the amenities one needs to get the work done and stay ahead of the game.

Square One also takes pride in offering three things for its clients: convenience, community, and collaboration.

According to Eli Yaneza, manager for business development, property planning, and office leasing of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, what makes Square One unique is its ”huge, 200 square meters of open space that allows teams to interact with other people connected to their industry.” This is called the Social Hall that can seat thirty to seventy people. It can host a variety of functions including exhibits, and product launches; as well as teambuilding activities, and parties that its inhouse staff can help set-up. Another area, the Library, is another almost-bare space to hold small-scale events.

For intimate conversations, groups working on a project together can rent a meeting room that can fit up to ten persons. On the other hand, individuals needing a quieter space, can lease one of the dedicated desks available.

There are two ways to get a spot at Square One BGC. One is to sign up through FlySpaces.com; another is to simply walk-in/drop by the area. To make a payment, one can do so through cash, checks, or bank deposits.

Convenience, Community, Collaboration

Square One’s strategic location makes it accessible to a lot of establishments – including retail, and coffee shops, restaurants, service and convenience stores, and even parks – that anyone can stroll right in for a breath of fresh air from work.

But if it’s impossible to go outdoors, Square One has a pantry, where one can lounge in, or drop by for a much needed caffeine fix.

High-speed internet, coffee and refreshments, as well as messenger services around BGC also come free with the subscription.

This newest co-working space also takes pride in creating a community of connected individuals. Its community manager, dubbed as Square One’s “Funbassador,” does not only run the day-to-day operations of the facility but also provides clients with the necessary connections to boost his business, or endeavor. Yaneza explains, “Square One aims to foster partnerships between our clients, to spark a collaboration that would be beneficial to all parties involved.”

Square One organizes, and offers training sessions or seminars on various topics to help individuals advance their skills. Aside from that, the facility sets up other enjoyable activities such as speed meetings, motivational discussions called SquareTalks, game and quiz nights, panel interviews, and film screenings, among many others.

Yaneza reveals, “Together with our marketing team, we will have Square One as the home of BGC’s Humpday Wednesdays, where BGCitizens can sit back and relax during the middle of the week. Co-workers will also get to enjoy exclusive discounts and freebies from partner BGC establishments.

Square One’s clients

Square One hopes to provide a productive working atmosphere for freelancers and independent workers who are deemed as “road warriors who work with a laptop, and are always on the go,” says Yaneza.

“Through Square One, we offer startups and small businesses the opportunity to situate their offices at BGC. At a fraction of the normal cost, they can work and grow their ventures in one of the country’s key business districts,” Yaneza adds. 

Square One is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm. It is located at the ground floor of the Bonifacio Technology Center at 31^st Street corner Second Avenue in BGC. For more inquiries, visit www.squareonebgc.com.ph or contact Francesca Padilla at 09173933646 or francesca@squareonebgc.com.ph.