LEAWOOD, Kan. - Tucked in the belly of a Leawood building, former Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison works to grow Fleetwood Transportation, Inc.
His new start-up is one of 43 companies using virtual office space. It's the newest concept to foster the swell of recession born small businesses.
Companies can rent services month to month like a receptionist office or board room, all the luxuries, of corporate culture and image, but without expensive, long term leases.
Kevin Downey opened Leawood Office Business Center in 2003 but noticed a spike when the economy tanked last year.
"Initially we saw a downtown then we've seen an uptick and then we saw a big uptick big uptick," Downey said.
Fleetwood Transportation, which launched 10 months ago, transports clients to doctor's appointments. It has two employees including Kennison and like many new companies, it can't afford an expensive long term lease.
"Even though a company might have a lot of money in the bank but many don't want to spend that money on unnecessary things," explained Kennison.
Down the hall, freelance writer Laura Wynn operates Jumpstart Marketing. The mother of four moved into her virtual office a year ago and says it’s already doubled her business. With dozens of business under one roof it also allows start-ups to swap ideas and services perhaps increasing the chances of success.
