Elevator to Launch Exciting New Co-Warehousing Space in St. Louis, Missouri
In an exciting development for the entrepreneurial scene in St. Louis, Elevator—a community-focused co-warehousing initiative—has announced plans to establish its second location in Missouri. Spanning an impressive 67,300 square feet, this facility is set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2026, promising a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The decision to expand into St. Louis reflects Elevator's commitment to fostering small business growth across the Midwest. Elevator’s co-founder, Emiliano Lerda, highlighted the city's innovative spirit and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem as key factors that propelled the decision to grow within this vibrant community. Lerda expressed excitement about the opportunity to partner with local businesses to help them scale and collaborate.
Governor Mike Kehoe commended the expansion, noting how it reinforces Missouri’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. He stated, "Expansions like these underscore our state's reputation as a prime location for innovative businesses. We congratulate Elevator on its success and look forward to their facility helping St. Louis small business owners grow and thrive."
Lerda's partner and co-founder, Shannon Lerda, shared personal insights into the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly those navigating the complexities of e-commerce. Recognizing these obstacles, Elevator aims to provide a supportive environment where local entrepreneurs can access essential resources without the burdensome financial overhead often associated with traditional leasing.
The co-warehousing model integrates micro-warehouses, private offices, and shared amenities, allowing month-to-month membership options that adapt to changing business needs. This innovative approach reduces the financial barriers typically faced by emerging businesses, enabling them to remain agile and responsive. The upcoming facility in St. Louis is designed to feature 13 dock doors and ample parking, catering specifically to the needs of small businesses, creative professionals, and makers across the metropolitan area.
Not only does this expansion signify growth for Elevator, but it also mirrors the region’s burgeoning small business ecosystem. Ron Kitchens, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., noted that Elevator's presence would further enrich the collaborative spirit among entrepreneurs in the area. He remarked, "Elevator's innovative approach to warehousing offers yet another support to continue the growth of St. Louis' small business ecosystem. The expansion here underscores the fact that our region is a vibrant and growing hub attracting entrepreneurs from around the country."
Moreover, Subash Alias, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, underscored this significance by stating, "Elevator's decision to open a new co-warehousing and office facility in Missouri underscores what growing companies find here: a central logistics hub, a pro-business climate, and an exceptional workforce. Their flexible model lowers the barriers for makers, e-commerce brands, and entrepreneurs to scale – exactly the kind of innovation that keeps Missouri competitive."
With groundbreaking taking place soon, Elevator has opened a formal waitlist for founding members, offering early tours and exclusive discounts as they prepare for the grand opening. The vision for Elevator is clear: to empower small businesses with the necessary tools for growth within a supportive community.
Founded in 2021 by Shannon and Emiliano Lerda, Elevator is more than just a workspace; it's a hub for small business growth, designed specifically for entrepreneurs dealing with physical goods. It combines co-working and warehousing to create an environment where businesses can thrive alongside each other, sharing resources and networks to achieve greater heights.
For more information on Elevator and to join the waitlist, visit their official website at www.elevatorspaces.com and be part of the thriving entrepreneurial landscape in St. Louis!