Coworking spaces offer an affordable alternative to traditional office rentals. And if you’re living in the Denver area, you have plenty of great spaces to choose from.
But can you use a coworking space as your business address in Denver?
The short answer: maybe.
If you want an address to receive mail or register your business, a coworking space will likely work.
However, things get a bit more complicated if you want to list your business on Google.
Read on to find out why.
Can I Use a Coworking Space as a Business Address?
If you want to use a coworking space as your business address, the first step is to figure out your goals.
There are two main situations where having a business address is important:
- Receiving mail and registering your business with the state
- Creating a GMB (Google My Business) profile
The requirements for each of these differ, so let’s examine them:
How to Use a Coworking Space as a Legal Business Address in Denver
Many online business owners need a physical address to receive mail and register their business with the state. It’s a convenient and secure alternative to using your home address.
Coworking spaces can be a great option for this, but you do need to ensure your space has the right membership options. Here are the steps we recommend:
1. Choose a Coworking Space
Find a coworking space in Denver that offers a “virtual office” plan. This is a fairly common offering, but don’t assume every space will have one.
2. Sign a Membership Agreement
Sign up for a membership plan with a “business address” feature. Candy Factory Coworking, for instance, offers a Virtual Office Membership that lets you use the space as your business address for only $45/month.
3. Use the Address for Your Business
Finally, use the provided address for all business purposes. This includes billing, mail, and (possibly) registering your business with the state.
We’ll discuss this last point more in the next section, as there are some specific legal requirements to be aware of.
Legal Requirements for Business Address in Denver
To use your coworking space address to receive mail and register your business, you need to follow USPS rules and state laws.
US Postal Service (USPS) Rules
The USPS has three main requirements you must meet to receive mail at a coworking space:
- Address Validation: Your coworking space must be a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) registered with USPS.
- Power of Attorney: You must sign a form allowing the coworking space to receive mail on your behalf.
- Liability Waivers: Most spaces require agreements about lost mail or legal disputes.
Verify all of the above with your coworking space before you sign an agreement.
State Laws for Business Addresses
If you want to register your business with the state (such as for setting up an LLC), your coworking space address needs to meet some additional requirements.
To register an LLC with the Colorado Secretary of State, you must use a physical street address. You cannot use a P.O. box.
Many coworking space addresses will meet this requirement, but consult a lawyer and your coworking space’s manager if you’re in doubt.
Can You List a Coworking Space as Your Business Address in Google My Business (GMB)?
Listing your business on Google is another reason you might want to use a coworking space as a business address.
Unfortunately, Google’s strict guidelines make this difficult in most cases.
Why Google Dislikes Coworking Addresses
Google requires a dedicated physical location for listing businesses on Google My Business (also known as “Google Business Profile”). To avoid confusion for people searching Google, they don’t want businesses to use a shared address.
Indeed, Google specifically calls out coworking spaces in their Business Profile guidelines. They say that businesses can’t list an office at a coworking space unless that office:
- Maintains clear signage
- Receives customers at the location during business hours
- Is staffed during business hours by your business staff
Additionally, “If your business rents a physical mailing address but doesn’t operate out of that location, also known as a virtual office, that location isn’t eligible for a Business Profile.”
This means a typical “virtual office membership” won’t work for listing your business on Google. But you may still have another option.
How to Comply with Google’s Business Profile Guidelines
There is one possible loophole: rent a private office with a unique suite number (e.g., “123 Main St, Suite 500”).
Many coworking spaces offer private office rentals, though they are more expensive than a virtual office or hot desk membership.
And even then, you need to meet some additional requirements before you list your business on Google My Business:
- Maintain clear, permanent signage with the name and hours of your business.
- Receive customers at your private office suite during business hours.
- Staff your coworking space office during business hours.
In other words, if you’re only at your office once or twice per week or don’t work set hours, you probably won’t meet Google’s requirements.
The requirement for “clear signage” can also be a challenge, depending on how your coworking space is set up.
Whatever you do, avoid coworking spaces that promise “easy Google My Business verification” — they’re likely violating Google’s policies.
Questions to Ask About Using a Coworking Space as a Business Address
When you’re researching and touring coworking spaces to use as a business address, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are you a registered commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) with the USPS?
- Can you provide a unique suite number for my business address?
- Do you support Google My Business verification for clients?
- Can I receive customers at this location during business hours?
- Can I post and maintain permanent, clear signage for my business at this location?
A good coworking space manager should provide clear, honest answers to all of these questions.
Should You Use a Coworking Space as a Virtual Business Address?
As you can see, using a coworking space as a business address isn’t always simple. Let’s summarize the key points to remember:
- You can usually use a Denver coworking space for mail and business registration if the address follows USPS rules and state laws.
- Most coworking space addresses don’t meet the guidelines for listing your business on Google My Business.
- Renting a private office with a unique suite number gives you the best chance of complying with Google Business Profile rules.
If you’re looking for a virtual address service in Denver, check out Candy Factory Coworking. We offer a variety of membership plans to meet your business needs.
