Why Today Is A Great Day To Start A Business In Atascadero 

By: Josh Cross, Interim CEO & President of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

So long, 2020! I don’t know about you, but I am relieved to be in 2021. This year’s not only going to be better because 2020 has brought the bar for expectation so low – but for the reason that it’s the perfect time to start your dream business. There’s never been a better time than 2021 to open the business you’ve always wanted to have. Why Atascadero, and why now? WellI’ll let the facts below do some of the talking.  

Right off the bat, La Plaza is set to finish and open in early 20201that’s a new retail space that’s just waiting to be used! Their retail spaces, Block Shops, in La Plaza are made from used shipping containers offering a unique and innovative twist on your standard retail space. Even better news? That if you choose to open a business in the La Plaza space, you’ll be opening alongside several new businesses, which is great for community and foot traffic. Your business isn’t out on the corner of an abandoned lot; it’s right in the center of the action! Atascadero’s downtown is only continuing to grow, which means that there are more opportunities to reach customers who all already walking and shopping downtown. Having access to a vibrant downtown is great for business. 

Did I mention that the population in Atascadero is growing? It’s been on the rise for years now, and with the increase in people, there’s a growing need for more products and services. That means there will be more people than ever before living and shopping in Atascadero. It doesn’t hurt that the average rent is lower than some of our neighbors in the county, which is ideal if you want to live and work in the same city. You could say goodbye to long commutes permanently!   

Maybe you’re not ready for a retail space quite yet. Or, perhaps your dream business doesn’t need one. With more people online than ever before, e-commerce and online businesses are booming! That’s where the new private offices in BridgeWorks Co-Working space come in. Like the La Plaza project, these private offices will be open for entrepreneurs to use come early 2021. It’s not just private offices that budding businesswomen and men will have access to at BridgeWorks. This space also offers complimentary use of a fully equipped conference room and kitchen. With some of the best high-speed internet around and in the heart of Atascadero’s downtown, you just can’t beat it!  

The time is nowyour dream business is waiting. Let’s get started. If you have questions about what you need to get started as a local business, give the team and me a call. Not only will we give you the resources you need to get started, but we’ll also connect you with SCORE Mentors, an organization that connects individuals with experienced business mentors for free.  


Josh Cross

Interim President & CEO of the Atascadero Chamber | Josh Cross

Josh Cross is a longtime Central Coast local, having grown up right here in Atascadero. He has a strong knowledge of governmental and community issues, in addition to economic development. Previously he worked as the Director of Economic Development for the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, and has always been passionate about the incredible work Chambers can do for their community.