News Summary
The Irvine Company’s Flex+ program provides flexible office solutions to small businesses in Orange County, facilitating growth without long-term leases. Businesses like Next IT Solutions have thrived by using these fully furnished, adaptable office spaces, which enhance employee productivity with top-notch amenities. With significant investments into its Flex+ portfolio, the Irvine Company is set to meet the demand for flexible workspaces, essential for small enterprises navigating challenges in a competitive economy.
Irvine — The Irvine Company’s Flex+ program has become a vital support system for small businesses in Orange County, providing flexible office solutions that enable rapid growth without the burden of long-term leases. This program is of particular benefit to companies like Next IT Solutions, which has seen remarkable success and expansion since its founding.
Next IT Solutions, co-founded by Josiah Schaffer and Justin Singleton, is an IT support firm that has doubled its workforce annually since it began. What initially started as a small operation fixing computers in a garage has blossomed into a thriving business with a staff of 30 employees. With support from the Flex+ program, the company has efficiently transitioned between various office spaces to accommodate its growing needs.
The Flex+ program offers small firms the ability to move seamlessly between fully furnished office spaces that are ready for immediate occupation. These spaces are equipped with professionally designed offices and high-quality amenities typically found in Fortune 500 companies, which include concierge services, state-of-the-art gyms, and on-site dining options. Such features contribute to creating an appealing work environment that enhances employee productivity and satisfaction.
Small businesses play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, with over 33 million small enterprises employing more than 61 million Americans, which accounts for nearly half of the private workforce. In Irvine alone, over 1,800 small businesses are reaping the benefits of flexible leasing options provided by the Irvine Company. Companies utilizing the Flex+ program have reported it as a significant competitive advantage when it comes to scaling their operations.
For instance, Orange County Solar, another small business, has successfully upsized its office space three times in just four years, thanks in part to the flexibility and logistical support provided by the Irvine Company. This adaptability is especially crucial for entrepreneurs, who often face unique challenges in managing their office needs as their businesses grow.
Since 2019, the Irvine Company has invested millions into developing its Flex+ portfolio, which now encompasses 5.2 million square feet. To meet the increasing demand for flexible office spaces, the company has plans for continued investments through 2030. Upcoming projects include new Flex+ suites at 7515 Irvine Center Drive, with available spaces ranging from 2,700 to 11,000 square feet. Additionally, construction is underway for another 13,000 square feet of flexible space at Pacific Arts Plaza in Costa Mesa.
Looking ahead, the Flex+ workspaces are expected to comprise more than a fourth of the Irvine Company’s overall office portfolio within the next five years. A recent survey conducted by CBRE revealed that 58% of respondents are actively seeking more flexible expansion options for their office needs, showing a clear trend towards such adaptable work environments. Despite national office vacancy rates exceeding 20%, the Irvine Company finished its last fiscal year with nearly 90% of its office portfolio leased, demonstrating the demand for its offerings.
Customers value the logistical ease provided by the Flex+ properties, which allow businesses to move in and out with minimal hassle. The design of these spaces promotes a vibrant campus feel, integrating indoor and outdoor workspaces, recreational areas with game tables, and green spaces for employees to enjoy. This approach aligns with the goal of merging the professionalism typically associated with large enterprises with the passion and agility of small businesses.
Creating opportunities and support for local entrepreneurs is essential to sustaining the economic fabric of the United States. The Flex+ program serves as a critical resource for small businesses in Orange County, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Irvine Standard: Flex+ A Blueprint for Small Business Success
- Google Search: small business support
- Irvine Standard: Terran Orbital Moves Headquarters to Irvine
- Wikipedia: Small business
- GlobeSt: Irvine Company’s Office Portfolio Outperforms National Average
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small business
- OC Business Journal: Irvine Co. Investing Millions into Office Flex
- Google News: Irvine Company
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
