Coworking spaces are the new normal and with more people working from home, or ditching the corporate world altogether to start their own business, it’s clear that co-working spaces are here to stay.
A recent report from the Global Coworking Unconference Conference and Emergent Research predicts that there will be more than 6,000 co-working spaces by the end of 2022. That’s a more than 40,000 percent increase when you compare these numbers to the number of co-working spaces in 2007 when there were a reported 14 co-working spaces.
According to the report, the number of people who work in coworking spaces is rising, too. More than 1 million by the end of 2022 up from 754,000 in 2019.
And while co-working spaces are not that hard to come by – it’s hard to find these spaces that appeal to diverse groups of entrepreneurs. That’s why entrepreneurs of color have created their own.
There are more than 4,000 co-working spaces in the United States and only 56 are reportedly minority-owned, as reported in Forbes.
In an interview with Vice, black entrepreneurs told the outlet that black co-working spaces “are built to give black people a safe space to find themselves in the work of innovation where they have largely been excluded.”
Aaron Saunders opened the Inclusive Innovation Incubator in 2017 on Howard University’s campus. Saunders, a computer scientist and owner of a mobile app development business, said: “having a space that is black-owned and supported by and attended mostly by people of color, it is a good thing.” He added, “it will help more black people come out when before, black people held their conversations about tech and innovation in the bars or clubs.”
Here’s Where You Can Find Black Co-Working Spaces
La Create Sp_ce In Inglewood
The La Create Sp_ce is a membership-based, coworking community that provides all of the resources needed to create projects, host events, and get business done. Here, members will have access to workspaces, hot desks, conference rooms, production studios, and more.
The Opportunity Hub In Atlanta
The Opportunity Hub was founded in 2013 by successful tech entrepreneurs in Atlanta. It’s known as the first and largest multi-campus co-working space, tech hub, and entrepreneurship startup incubator that’s strategically focused on increasing authentic diversity, equity & inclusion in the tech, startup and venture ecosystem.
Blue Lacuna In Chicago
Regarded as “a place to develop your dreams,” Blue Lacuna takes an evolving approach to how people work. They offer flexible memberships, from virtual office plans all the way to your own private room or office. Weekly curated events are also held.
Locale Workspace In Washington DC
The Locale in Washington DC hosts pop-up co-working days in non-traditional spaces. Creators aim to connect individuals who work remotely, promote travel and are in need of a constant change of scenery.
All In Coworking In Inglewood
Just a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport, you can find All In Coworking in Inglewood, CA. This smart co-working space, secured by Ring and powered by Samsung technology, has everything you need to ensure a productive day of work and a little bit of play. There’s even a kitchenette and game room to entertain guests.
Space Lab In Detroit
With two locations in metro Detroit, the Space Lab aims to connect those who work remotely with like-minded building industry creatives, consultants and experts in a shared work environment, meetups, workshops, and events.
C3 Lab In Charlotte
C3Lab is Charlotte’s creative hub for designers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, artists, and other creative types. Located in the South End District, staff combines features of a home office, coffee shop, business space, community center, and studio shop to help spark creative thoughts and ideas.
Ethel’s Club In New York City
Known as the first of its kind, Ethel’s Club in Brooklyn was founded on the belief that people of color are long overdue for a space that centers the whole of their identity and experiences.
A Space Called Tribe In Miami
The A Space Called Tribe Co-Work & Urban Innovation Lab is a culturally intelligent collaborative shared office/co-working space and urban innovation lab that is community-centered while connecting underserved high growth entrepreneurs, startups, and creatives. At Tribe, you’ll find workspaces, conference rooms, weekly workshops, and various membership levels to fit your needs.
Blackbird House In Culver City, CA
Blackbird House is a new coworking collective designed for women of color and allies. They offer private offices, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, a podcast room, multi-function classroom, meditation room, fitness room, and event space with stage all available for use.
But wait, there’s more
Looking for a coworking space in your area? Medium’s The Plug has created a simple way to find one. Check out where to find a black-owned co-working space by clicking here.
