Like most thriving cities, Philadelphia has an abundance of new entrepreneurs trying to start businesses of their own and capturing the “American Dream.” Most of these business owners work from home, which makes it difficult to hold professional meetings or separate their personal and professional lives. Not to mention there is little to no human interaction throughout the day. (Kate’s dog Gucci is a great assistant though!) Because of this, shared workspaces are a new trend that has hit Philly to help solve these problems and make self-employment more social than ever.
Shared workspaces are collaborative environments in which many diverse participants can work and interact with each other in one location while focusing on their specific business or project. Most of these workspaces come fully equipped with amenities any new business would need including desks, wi-fi, office supplies, conference rooms, and much more. With many different locations scattered throughout the city, it’s hard not to find a space perfect for you and your new company.
Benjamin’s Desk
Benjamin’s Desk is conveniently located in the heart of Center City, just a block from Rittenhouse Square. The community has 60+ members that make up more than thirty companies. They have also been accepted into The League of Extraordinary Coworking Spaces. Benjamin’s Desk will be hosting a grand opening event for their “8th floor” on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Come join the fun and “celebrate innovation.”
Culture Works
CultureWorks prides themselves as a common-good corporation. They provide a shared workspace with technological and human resources companies, while also raising money to invest in new programs and services. This philanthropic company is located on Walnut Street in Center City.
Impact Hub
Impact Hub is an international network with more than 40 global locations, and they are now starting a Philly community in Northern Liberties. Not only is Impact Hub a shared workspace, they also provide programs that are driven by the community to help inspire new ideas and build a strong foundation for your vision. Impact Hub will be hosting a launch party for their Philly chapter on Thursday February 13, 2014.
Indy Hall
Indy Hall is located North 3rd Street in Old City. Indy Hall dedicates themselves to helping people create lasting businesses and helping companies form strong relationships, while providing a community work place for everyone.
Seed Philly
Seed Philly is for tech-savy entrepreneurs looking to get their business started. Located in Center City on Arch Street, Seed Philly provides all necessary equipment and resources to build a tech startup community. They also encourage everyone in the shared workspace to work collaboratively and help solve each other’s problems.
South Philly Co-op Workspace
South Philly Co-op Workspace’s mission is to provide a work environment for professionals to network. This affordable shared workspace resides in East Passyunk.
Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Incubator Program
Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Incubator Program is dedicated to help new and existing Philadelphian companies grow, while also providing them with a workspace. This program has everything you need and is located on Cecil B Moore Ave, not far from Temple University’s campus.
Venturef0rth
Venturef0rth is designed to give startup companies a concrete home, providing a environment for co-working, networking, and guidance for operational support. Venturef0rth is located on North 8th Street in Center City.
Where do you work from? We want to know because we are still deciding where to move our office. Comment below and let us know!
