Some would say you’re not really working, unless you’re coworking. With a list of benefits far beyond the eight mentioned here, coworking spaces are the new coffee shops for the innovation economy. They offer a place to work for the day, alongside a network and community that can support your growing business.
It’s understood that becoming a member of a coworking space is much more than a chair to sit in. Most coworking spaces offer resources that Starbucks simply can't give you, including: fireside chats, mentoring, and networking mixers. Don’t worry you can still get your cup of coffee. It’s for these reasons my company, Startup Institute, chooses to locate inside some of the world’s most vibrant coworking spaces.
Yet, with over 145 coworking spaces in the Chicagoland area, choosing one could take months. Instead, set up shop at one of these up-and-coming spaces that are sure to have waiting lists soon:
Photo Credit: WeWork.com
1. WeWork: A trusted name with a far-reaching network.
Location: West Loop and River North coming soon
WeWork has been a pioneer in coworking, opening it’s first doors four years ago in New York City. These international coworking experts show no signs of stopping as they expand to even more cities and continents, including a second space in Chicago this year. You can be sure their new spaces will be just as beautiful as they are functional, and a great option if you plan on bringing clients in for meetings. They even have their own app for searching their member directory -- a useful networking tool -- and offer flexible options for people who travel between offices via the “WeWork Common” package.
Photo Credit: Kentaro Yamada
2. Brooklyn Boulders Chicago: For the active entrepreneur.
Location: West Loop
What other coworking space can boast 25,000 square feet of room to pace, sit or climb while you take that conference call? Brooklyn Boulders opened it’s Chicago location late last year and is now a fully-functioning coworking and gym space. It’s perfect for the person who doesn’t have time to make it to the gym or wants to save on having two memberships. The space is complete with standing desks and exercise-ball chairs. Do note: if you spend a lot of time on the phone during your workday they have light music playing (the person curating their playlists does have fantastic taste, though).
