Coworking: An Entrepreneur’s Solution to Isolation

Kelowna
WeBC June 23, 2023

Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for collaboration, networking and innovation! 

As an entrepreneur, work can often feel isolating and even unproductive. On the other hand, coworking spaces are much more conducive to productivity as they provide a positive work environment that encourages networking while workers share tools, services, and facilities.

We have compiled a list of five coworking spaces throughout BC that we think would be a perfect match for any entrepreneur living in these areas. 

Nestworks, Vancouver

Nestworks is a family-friendly co-working and child-minding community. Hosted in This World’s Ours Centre, the 3,500 sq. ft. space features a mini gym and sensory playhouse in a renovated, light-filled heritage space in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Founded by social entrepreneur Madeleine Shaw, who also founded Aisle (formerly Lunapads), Nestworks offers adult co-working with optional childminding for kids ages 12 months to 5 years.

While parents work in various hot desks and semi-private areas, children enjoy supervised play in three adjacent children’s spaces: a mini gym, an indoor playhouse and open reading/free play area. Open from 9 am to 12 noon Monday to Friday, exclusive of holidays until the end of June 2023; re-opening in September.

“When I had my daughter, there were very few options for the flexible care that I needed as an entrepreneur, so I brought her to work with me. This was the inspiration for Nestworks, where we are exploring the idea that work and family life don’t need to be as siloed as they have been in the past.” – Madeleine Shaw, Founder and Chief Community Officer, Nestworks.

Location: 191 E 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC

Contact info:

hello@nestworks.space

nestworks.space

Photo credit: Nestworks Website

Hubspace, Prince George

Hubspace is the Innovation Accelerator for Northern British Columbia, helping the technology community to grow and the business community to adopt the technology. They are in downtown Prince George, creating collaboration opportunities and a vibrant working environment for innovators. They offer curated coworking memberships ranging from drop-in to more permanent spots and hot desks for daily rentals. 

Co-working space is beneficial in so many ways; sharing space keeps costs down for founders who are just starting and haven’t had a chance to generate revenue. Hot desks are the “hot ticket item” right now as people working from home get tired of working alone. When needing to get out of their sweatpants, they can pop into some business clothing and onto a hot desk for a few days or weeks – Mary Mytting, Executive Director

Location: 101-1584 7th Avenue, Prince George

Contact info:

office@hubspace.ca

hubspace.ca


BBB Engagement Centre, Vancouver

Located in the heart of Vancouver, this space provides collaborative, inclusive and multi-use co-working spaces to host events or act as a temporary workstation for BBB-Accredited Businesses.

They are open from 9 am to 4 pm every weekday; you can rent the entire facility, a large boardroom, huddle rooms or individual workstations. Until August 31, 2023, this space is offered at no cost if events are within regular office hours; any event outside of that time will attract a charge.

Location: 500 – 1190 Melville Street, Vancouver. 

Contact info:

booking@mbc.bbb.org

bbb.org

Photo credit: Better Business Bureau

Mountain Colab, Revelstoke

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Revelstoke, the Mountain CoLab provides valuable resources to support the personal and professional growth of motivated individuals within the community. As a registered not-for-profit society, they aim to provide affordable, collaborative, friendly, inclusive and safe coworking spaces to the community.

“We’re really keen that the CoLab is a welcoming space for everyone, from long-time Revelstoke locals to digital nomads just passing through town for a few days,” said vice president Nia Williams.

Location: 101-A 2 St E, Revelstoke

Contact info:

hello@mountaincolab.com

mountaincolab.com

Photo credit : Mountain CoLab

ProducKIDvity, Kelowna

ProductKIDvity is a one-stop shop for childcare, office space and community in Kelowna founded by woman entrepreneur, Alex Carnio. She started her business with a mission to create a better life for working parents through child-friendly workspaces.

Drop-in desks, dedicated desks and private offices are some of the options provided by ProducKIDvity. They aim to provide a prestige co-working centre that offers the best services whether you are a drop-in or premium client. The centre is pet friendly, and clients can access the building 24/7. 

“Starting something from an idea and actually seeing it come to life is amazing. It’s been a really positive response from the community [and] it just seems like we’ve been able to check off a lot of boxes for families.” – Alex Carnio, Founder of ProducKIDvity

Location: 540 Leon Avenue, Kelowna

Contact info:

coworking@produckidvity.com

produckidvity.com

Photo Credit: ProducKIDvity

Coworking is the antidote to the isolation and distractions many entrepreneurs face when working from home. They are a place for productivity, networking and community.

Do you have an awesome coworking space in your community? Let us know in the comments!

About WeBC

WeBC is a not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for over 25 years. Working with our regional partners, we’ve provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive.

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