Kootenay co-working spaces offer community and creative collaboration

Co-working spaces offer many benefits for entrepreneurs and business start-ups

The 101 Building in downtown Cranbrook is the city's newest co-working space. — Photo courtesy 101 Building Facebook page

Remote work is becoming much more commonplace. Not only are entrepreneurs, freelancers and professional nomads drawn to the flexibility that working from home can offer, it’s also become a reality for many of us in the midst of a global pandemic. But it’s also a lonely life—working remotely can be isolating. It can also be difficult to get quality work done with family distractions and obligations. Cue the growing attraction to co-working spaces.

According to an article by Small Business BC, there are many benefits to co-working spaces. Social interaction with like-minded peers, a sense of structure and a reason to get out of your pajamas and into the real world are all draws. It’s a proven fact that collaboration increases creativity—networking with others oftens helps us to remain productive and focused on our work. And of course, there are the financial benefits. Running a business or a start-up is expensive—the ability to reduce costs by sharing office space and office equipment with others is a definite plus.

Read on and discover what the Kootenays can offer in terms of collaborative and innovative co-working spaces for professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives and business start-ups.

Co-working spaces in Cranbrook

The 101 Building

The new 101 Building in downtown Cranbrook is a modern, sleek-looking space that houses 18 private offices, a large boardroom and multiple day-use collaborative spaces. Daily drop-in users are welcome and both the common space and boardroom are available for rent. There’s a range of monthly membership plans available that include access to the self-serve kitchen and printing and scanning services. The new Morchella Market & Cafe is located downstairs.

Features and amenities: The 101 Building co-working space provides free parking and is open 24/7. Fibre-optic high-speed internet is provided for all members and there are reception and mailbox services if needed.

Location: 101 Kootenay Street, Cranbrook

How to contact: 250-464-4134; [email protected]

The Ground Floor Co-working Space

Striving to create a culture of collaboration, The Ground Floor Co-working Space is designed to be a modern and welcoming environment for a variety of innovators. Membership plans are available and offer a range of different options—from the business person who simply wants a mailing address and reception service to the professional who needs a suite of private offices. The Ground Floor Co-working Space is service-focused and offers concierge services, such as simple errands, arranging package deliveries, or scanning and photocopying documents.

Features and amenities: There’s an array of services designed to facilitate a productive work environment—private phone booths, a recording booth and reception services are available. A self-serve kitchenette and lounge areas offer the opportunity to network and socialize with fellow professionals. The Ground Floor Co-working Space is open 24/7 for members.

Location: 131 7th Avenue South, Cranbrook

How to contact: 778-517-8800; [email protected]

The Ground Floor in Cranbrook offers a modern, welcoming space for entrepreneurs, business start-ups and innovators. — Photo courtesy Marie Milner

Co-working spaces in Fernie

2nd Edition Coworking 

There's a brand new community co-working space in Fernie. Located in a beautiful heritage building that was formerly home to the Fernie Free Press on 2nd Avenue, the co-working space is designed to accommodate a range of work styles and budgets. The 2nd Edition Coworking space is run by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Check out this article about the exciting addition to the City of Fernie. 

Features and amenities: Depending on your needs, 2nd Edition Coworking offers a range of different workstyle packages. Amenities include high-speed wi-fi, 24/7 member access and strong coffee.  

Location: 342 2nd Avenue, Fernie

How to contact: Phone 778-761-0800. For more information on 2nd Edition Coworking, check out the company Facebook page and website.

Fernie Common

Professional nomads, entrepreneurs and innovators are welcome at the Fernie Common, an ideal space to host clients and meet other like-minded people. Private and semi-private workspaces are available as well as hot desk and boardroom rentals. Fernie Common offers daily, weekly and monthly memberships.

Features and amenities: Member perks include exclusive event invitations, high-speed internet, meeting room time and free coffee, espresso, tea and filtered water in their modern kitchen.

Location:1602 - 9th Avenue, Fernie

How to contact: [email protected]

Co-working spaces in Golden

Go-Lab Co-Working Space

Looking for some connection and social contact with other entrepreneurs? Or maybe you’re just feeling a little stir-crazy lately and need to get out of the house to work? Whatever the reason, the Go-Lab Co-Working Space in Golden offers a range of options—flex desks, meeting rooms and collaborative spaces—designed to get your mental muscles flexing in a welcoming, community-centred environment. Both monthly and casual memberships are offered.

Enjoy the scenery while getting some serious work done at Golden's Go-Lab Coworking space. — Photo courtesy Go-Lab Coworking Facebook page

Features and amenities: A kitchen and lounge area provide a nice retreat for coffee breaks and interesting conversations. Fixed, flex and private memberships also include the following perks:

• 5 hours of access per month to the Judge’s Room—a private meeting space
• Weekly premium coffee delivery
• Weekly outdoor yoga
• $5 print credit

Location: 611 10th Avenue North, Golden

How to contact:  250-272-1945; [email protected]

Co-working spaces in Kaslo

Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre

The Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre (KLIC) is a technology and community-focused non-profit venture.  

Features and amenities: With airy, cathedral-style ceilings, the space features shared office experiences with both private and open concept designs. As a central space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, non-profits and remote employees, Kootenay OS is equipped with gigabit internet, a datacentre, a music shop and livestream studios. Future planned events include Tech Nights, Member Socials and monthly Innovative Nights. 

Location: 312 4th Street, Kaslo

How to contact: Visit the Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre website

The interior of the Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre is airy and spacious. — Photo courtesy Kootenay Lake Innovation Centre.

Co-working spaces in Nelson

Baker Street Co-Working

Located on busy Baker Street in downtown Nelson, this bright and homey co-working space features a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Private desks are available for rent on a monthly basis and there’s a boardroom for larger meetings. Downstairs, the street-level shop is available for products, displays and signage.

Features and amenities: Bring your dog to work! This dog-friendly co-working space includes access to a full kitchen, complimentary coffee and tea, bike lock-up area and free parking (as an add-on).

Location: 265 Baker Street, Nelson

How to contact: [email protected]

A little bit of modern, a little bit of home and a lot of sunshine combine to make the Baker Street Co-Working space a welcome spot to settle in and work. — Photo courtesy Baker Street Co-Working Facebook page

The Jam Factory

With its industrial vibe and inclusive, welcoming atmosphere, The Jam Factory in downtown Nelson is a hip spot to hang out for the work-from-home crowd, entrepreneurs and creatives. Mindfully organized, the space combines private rooms away from distractions, along with expansive open areas and cozy nooks dotted with comfy furniture—perfect for impromptu meetings and creative collaborations.

Features and amenities: Dog lover? Good news! You and your furry pal are both welcome at The Jam Factory. Other perks include high-speed fibre-optic internet, 24-7 access, gourmet coffee and tea, a modern kitchen, daily meditation resets and weekly yoga classes.

Location: 303 Vernon Street, Nelson

How to contact: 250-352-1101; [email protected]

Co-working spaces in Revelstoke

Mountain CoLab

A user-owned co-operative with 24-hour, seven-days-a-week availability, the Mountain CoLab offers freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and nonprofits an ideal space for work and creative collaboration. With both private and open-concept facilities, users can choose from several workspace options including dedicated desks and office space. Monthly memberships are available starting at $85 per month.

Features and amenities: Find freshly-brewed coffee, free printing and fantastically fast fibre-optic internet at Mountain CoLab. Facilities also include a boardroom, kitchen and lounge for after-work . . . lounging. 

Location: 101-A Second Street East, Revelstoke

How to contact: [email protected]

Mountain CoLab in Revelstoke features an open-concept area with several different workspace options. — Photo courtesy Mountain CoLab

Co-working spaces in Silverton

The Lift

An up-and-coming co-working space, The Lift is run by the non-profit Silverton Co-Work Society. Currently the co-working space is open by appointment only.

Location:  The Lift co-working space is located on the upper floor of the old grocery store in Silverton—222 Lake Street.

How to contact: Visit The Lift - Silverton Co-Work Society Facebook page. They can also be contacted by email: [email protected].