San Diego, California | Tijuana, México
hola@annazuniga.com
From Bus Station to Innovation Hub: A Border Town Transformation
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
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."
