The St. Charles-based co-working space OPO Startups has seen great success alongside tenant companies like 3mbassy, XLR8 and BoardPaq. So much so that it’s expanding, with the goal of adding 100 additional companies with 225 new members by 2017.

Since opening in May 2015, OPO, founded by entrepreneur Randy Schilling, has made its mission to promote and grow the digital startup community in St. Charles. By adding 32 companies and an annex of an additional 4,000 thousand square feet to its original 10,000 square foot space on Main Street, OPO is making good on its word.

Added Space Brings Added Impact

The co-working space in the old St. Charles Post Office is a bright space—conducive to the inspiration and creativity new entrepreneurs seek out.

The Annex, added in Fall of 2015 directly across the street, is a continuation of that aesthetic. With the additional 36 co-working spaces and 20 offices, startups like McKissen + Company, Aarron Mintert Creative Design and STL Devshop are growing their businesses and flourishing in the new space.

This new space benefits existing members as well as the 100 new businesses they are planning to add.

“OPO is ideal for developers, coders and solopreneurs,” says Megan McKissen, community manager of the coworking space. “With month-to-month rent and no hidden fees, it’s really easy for startups to grow with us.”

Memberships range from $75 to $500 a month with choices as simple as a drop-in membership to the shared community space, a dedicated work station, or private offices. All memberships come with the things you would expect with any office: Wi-Fi, coffee and snacks, conference rooms for meetings.

OPO also offers a gym and wellness center, as well as weekly workshops where members can learn and grow their business.

Committed to Startup Growth

OPO members get access to mentors, potential investors, programming, educational resources and a community of local entrepreneurs. Every Wednesday, OPO hosts Startup Wednesdays where members can hear from leading executive coaches and business advisors, talk with accomplished local founders, connect with angel and startup investors, or toss inspirational ideas around in a collaborative and relaxed environment.

McKissen explains, “Our members meet with CPAs, business attorneys, small business admin and the Economic Development Council—basically anything they need to start and grow their business.”

Because while OPO has a vision for growing the co-working space for startups in St. Charles, it is first and foremost committed to seeing the startups themselves grow and become successful.