Mission:

Turn an Abandoned Bus Station into Innovation Hub

Imagine a place where two countries meet, not just geographically but entrepreneurially. That was Hub Station in Tijuana - a rare co-working spot bridging Tijuana's and San Diego's best and brightest. It wasn't just another job for me. It was a chance to shape a community. Being its first General Manager meant I had my work cut out. From handling everyday operations to mingling with our community, it was a roller coaster of excitement and challenges.

BACKGROUND

Around 2013, the Tijuana-San Diego border was buzzing. Startups were sprouting everywhere, but they had no real place to grow together. Enter HUB STN. Located right in downtown Tijuana, this wasn’t just another office building. This used to be Mexicoach bus station – a bustling spot in the 80s and 90s where tourists flocked. Post 9/11? Not so much. Our vision was to revive that energy.

My day-to-day? Hosting events, bringing people together, and making sure the word got out about how cool our space was.

THE JOURNEY WITH HUB STN

Challenges

Transforming a historic site into a modern co-working space isn't easy (or cheap). We had to juggle renovations with a tight purse, and we had deadlines. Big ones. Two major companies were moving in: Angel Ventures Mexico and Uber’s Tijuana squad.

Then came the real challenge: how do we fill the rest of the space? We didn't want just anyone. We wanted innovators, thinkers, and creators – people eager to cross paths and cook up new ideas.

Solution

Having big names on board sure gave us a leg up. More businesses got curious. We welcomed local marketing pros Branding Pool and a lead software engineer from Groupon.

To keep the momentum, I stirred up local interest with events. Startup Drinks was our star show – seasoned entrepreneurs shared their wisdom over a drink (or two). Plus, with Startuper, a venture I co-founded, we had a platform to mentor and nurture young entrepreneurs. We even played host to the frenzied 48-hour madness of Startup Weekend.

And, of course, there were those quirky events, like a rapid-fire one-minute pitch fest!

Implementation

Turning ideas into reality is where the rubber meets the road. I started with a robust event calendar. Our digital platforms, including social media, were vital tools in reaching out to the tech-savvy communities in both Tijuana and San Diego. Heck, even the old-school flyer did wonders in grabbing local attention!

But it wasn’t all about being online. Sponsorships became a big part of our success story. By teaming up with local businesses for event goodies (think food, drinks, and tech), we ensured top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.

Our monthly ‘Startup Drinks’? A city favorite. But why stop there? ‘Startuper’ grew as a platform and we added more feathers to our event cap: quick-fire pitching sessions, startup fairs, and showcases.

All these activities weren’t just for show. They helped foster an environment where ideas flowed, collaborations bloomed, and the spirit of entrepreneurship soared.

THE RESULTS

Fast forward six months. HUB STN wasn't just running; it was thriving. Memberships rolled in, events were a hit, and we even started turning a profit. But, every story has its twists. Big shots eyed our space for a beer garden. We fought tooth and nail to preserve its character, but the bulldozers had their day.

Yet, in true entrepreneurial spirit, the essence of HUB STN lives on. The team has scattered but continues to innovate and inspire.

GALLERY

Hub Station was more than just a co-working space; it was a dynamic melting pot of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Positioned uniquely at the border between Tijuana and San Diego, the vision was to bring together the best of both worlds: the entrepreneurial spirit of San Diego with the rich cultural and tech vibes of Tijuana.

When I stepped in as the first employee and General Manager, the place was buzzing with potential. But potential alone isn’t enough. Over time, the challenges became evident: a tight budget, a historical renovation, and the pressing need to attract the right members. We needed more than just people; we needed a community that believed in collaboration over competition.

Through a series of strategies – from hosting entrepreneurial events like Startup Drinks to creating initiatives such as Startuper – we breathed life into the space. It wasn't just about filling desks; it was about fostering a thriving ecosystem where ideas could come to life and businesses could flourish. And despite its untimely acquisition and repurposing, the legacy of Hub Station is a testament to what community-driven efforts can achieve.

Hub Station turned out to be the place to be for entrepreneurs in Tijuana thanks to Anna's work. If you were in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, you got to be there helped by Anna at organizing and hosting events. Her entrepreneurial mindset is a great asset you can use as a leverage to your own business ideas."