A 9-5 workday just isn’t what it used to be—especially for entrepreneurs and small businesses when it comes to getting work done. The day-to-day needs and lifestyle for this demographic are a little different than the average office worker, so why should they expect to work in the same ho-hum environment?
Co-working spaces are becoming the popular alternative, bringing with it the opportunity for solo workers to collaborate and bounce ideas off other like-minded people. Some spaces even take a step further and double as incubator programs, providing mentorship and resources to help businesses get off the ground. Others spoil its members with extras like bright, modern interiors designed to spark creativity, and even offer a glass of wine to calm the senses.
The need for these unique spaces is on the rise: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2020, about 65 million Americans will be working independently, such as freelancers or independent contractors. Co-working spaces are created help business ideas grow on a much deeper level than just sipping on expensive coffee alone in a crowded café. From the ultra swanky to just the basics, here’s a sample list of some tried and true and newer co-working spaces around Arizona.
CO+HOOTS
1027 E. Washington St.
Suite 107
Phoenix, AZ 85034
This shared office space opened in 2010 and was the first of its kind in downtown Phoenix. Collaboration culture make this place tick, and amenities include free utilities, shower, kitchen, lounge area and endless jolts of java from the locally owned, Greater Than Coffee.
Coworking on 15th Ave
3428 N. 15th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85015
It’s a house turned office space. Co-working on 15th Ave has three membership options starting at $150 per month. It believes in living a healthy lifestyle so the space offers members opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities like bike riding, hiking and dodgeball, through events and partnerships.
hive @ central
1221 N Central Ave
2nd Fl
Phoenix, AZ 85004
The hive @ central, located in ASU’s Alexandria Co-working space, is part of an ASU initiative that brings together inventors, problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and small businesses in collaboration spaces in community libraries across Arizona. Featured speakers, mentors, and other resources are on hand to help entrepreneurs grow their business ideas.
Jumpstart
2802 N. 37th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
A new shared workspace location, Jumpstart provides affordable office space with the benefit of an inclusive collaborative environment. Jumpstart also provides free space for community civic meetings and non-profit groups including City of Phoenix Early Childhood Programs.
mod
2828 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Work with a glass wine…or beer…or coffee. mod is an ultra chic workspace with a full-service café and bar with beer and wine on tap. Memberships range from $7 per hour to $35 per day and include extras such as concierge services, private conference rooms, a large event space and an outdoor patio for meetings.
The Office Pile
2501 N. 7th. St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Also known as “TOP,” this space aims to bring culturally diverse entrepreneurs and professionals together, and adds to the experience by displaying vibrant art along its walls. Memberships start at $15 a day and tiers include mail delivery service, private office space and 24/7 access to the office.
Union Workspace
1729 E. Osborn Road
Second floor
Phoenix, AZ
This place focuses on aesthetics to help members get their work done. Described as an “architecturally defined environment,” members get the added benefits of custom mill work and steel work desk space with Herman Miller Aeron task chair, access 24/7 and notary on site. Monthly rates start at $350.
Connect Coworking
33 S. Fifth Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Housed in the historic Rialto Theatre building in Tucson, Connect Coworking opened May 2014 and offers its members a sleek and modern interior fit to inspire creativity. There are 172 workspaces of all sizes, a full kitchen with beer tap and a mediation room, among many other perks.
Big Bounce
170 S. Ash
Tempe, AZ 85281
A membership-based co-working space where startups or “Cohabs” can get the one on one guidance and support they need to launch and grow successful business. Big Bounce’s platform was made to offer advanced knowledge and skills to Cohabs at any point in their business development process.
EZ Spaces
1530 E Williams Field Rd #201
Gilbert, AZ 85295
EZ Spaces offers a tiered membership services including daily rentals, 5 or 10-day passes or unlimited monthly passes. Options are also available to rent out conference rooms, storage lockers and personal mailboxes.
Game CoLab
1801 S. Jentilly Ln.,
Suite B-18
Tempe, AZ 85281
This one’s for the gamers! Game CoLab was built to empower the local game development community and just recently launched its own incubator program. Their focus: “educating people about games, educating game makers about business, and educating local government and institutional partners on the potential of games as an economic driver.”
GangPlank
Avondale and Chandler locations
Founded in 2008, GangPlank is unique in that it doesn’t charge a membership fee for their workspaces. Instead, it runs off donations by the people who use them. Everyone is asked to donate in a way that is meaningful to them (by offering mentorship to others, for example) to keep the offices running.
