When Vikas Gurung first looked at the empty building that would later become First Space, he didn’t just see walls and ceilings, he saw possibility. To many, it was just another commercial property in a small town. To him, it was the canvas on which he wanted to paint a vision, a space where ideas could take root, businesses could grow and individuals could find the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Why First Space?

Vikas’s professional journey has always been guided by a simple motto: to find, develop and create solutions for problems that affect the masses and businesses. Over the years, he has worn different hats of a consultant, trainer, entrepreneur, mentor but the common thread has always been problem-solving.

When he founded Swiftedge Solutions Private Limited, he envisioned it as a platform for multiple ventures under one umbrella. First Space emerged as the first tangible expression of that vision. The idea was both simple and necessary: Dharamshala, a town buzzing with potential, did not have a proper ecosystem for startups, freelancers or small businesses to operate in a professional yet flexible environment. Most important challenge was availability of office space for rent.

Vikas wanted to change that. First Space Coworking Offices was never meant to be “just another office for rent.” It was designed to be a community hub where entrepreneurs, businesses, dreamers, tinkers and thinkers could work side by side, collaborate and thrive.

The Early Struggles

Of course, visions are beautiful in the mind, but bringing them alive in reality tests patience, resilience and every ounce of belief. First Space was no different.

The financials were a constant pressure. Setting up and running the space required investment that far outweighed immediate returns. Every month brought with it the challenge of sustaining operations often through loans, borrowed support or Vikas’s own contributions. At times, it felt like walking a tightrope between keeping the dream alive and the fear of failure.

Then there was the market challenge. Dharamshala is not Bengaluru or Gurgaon, where coworking spaces are part of the culture. Here, people were sceptical. Many asked: Why would someone pay for a desk when they could work from home or cafe? Why are you charging so much when I can get a chair and table at any library with internet at one fifth the price? Convincing early clients was less about price and more about education, helping them see the value of a professional ecosystem.

And yet, those early struggles shaped the identity of First Space. They reminded Vikas that true building is not about shortcuts but about staying the course.

Building the Space, Building the Community

The design of First Space was intentional. Vikas wanted it to be warm yet professional, modern yet grounded in the spirit of Himachal. Open office with desks and shared resources all crafted to provide flexibility for different needs.

The real breakthrough came when a growing logistics company from Chandigarh, chose to occupy a significant part of the space for their Dharamshala office. Their trust was more than just an agreement; it was validation that First Space could indeed serve as a reliable base for ambitious businesses. Slowly, other queries followed: freelancers and digital nomads travelling to Dharamshala looking for a professional plug and play workstations, small teams needing professional infrastructure, companies wanting to host training or exams.

What started as an empty building couple of years back, now hums with conversations, keystrokes, rush of deadlines and passion of the youthful energy. And that, for Vikas, was the real payoff watching the space transform into something larger than he had imagined.

The Larger Vision

First Space is, at its heart, a reflection of Vikas’s belief that businesses should solve real problems. It is not just an office solution; it is a platform for possibilities.

Beyond providing desks and cabins, his vision is to grow First Space into a launchpad for rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Dharamshala and its surrounding areas are filled with talent and creativity, but most young people either migrate to big cities or give up on their dreams due to lack of infrastructure. Vikas wants First Space to bridge that gap, to give local entrepreneurs a professional environment where their ideas can flourish without having to leave their hometown.

Vikas also sees First Space Business Park, a cherished dream of his, as the solution that could attract companies from big cities to make their offices in Dharamshala. There is a huge potential for IT& ITES companies to setup their offices in Dharamshala, which provides the perfect weather, connectivity and infrastructure.

This vision ties closely to the broader journey of Swiftedge Solutions, which is not about chasing trends but about building long-term, meaningful solutions. First Space is the first step, but certainly not the last.

Closing Thought

For Vikas, First Space is not just a business venture. It is part of his legacy. It is a reminder that every great journey begins with an idea but it takes belief, struggle and community to turn that idea into something real.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. Because in building First Space, Vikas hasn’t just built a coworking office. He has built a space for dreams, for possibilities and for the future.

Personally, this journey has taught him the value of patience and perseverance. Entrepreneurship, he has realized, is less about immediate wins and more about the ability to endure, adapt and keep building even when the odds are against you.

Vikas’s motto in life is – One man with courage is majority.

“At Advent Himachal, we believe stories like First Space prove that Himachal is not just about mountains and tourism—it’s also about ideas, innovation, and courage.”