Once upon a time, “working from anywhere” meant balancing a laptop on your knees at a noisy café, fighting over the lone power outlet. Fast forward to 2025, and coworking spaces have become the professional’s second home—a place where productivity, connection, and caffeine all come together under one roof.
The coworking industry is no longer a trend—it’s a movement. With the global market expected to reach over $113 billion by 2029, entrepreneurs, landlords, and even freelancers-turned-founders are wondering how to start a coworking space that actually works.
If you’re ready to turn empty square footage into a thriving community (and profitable venture), this guide is your blueprint. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Know Your “Why” Before You Sign the Lease
Before you start ordering ergonomic chairs and artisanal coffee machines, pause and ask yourself: why do you want to start a coworking space?
Maybe you’re passionate about building communities, or you want to solve the “where do I work today?” problem in your city. Maybe you’ve just got an unused commercial property and a dream. Whatever it is, your “why” will shape everything—from design to branding to how you build your member base.
Step 2: Pick a Niche—Because You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone
One of the biggest mistakes people make when figuring out how to start a coworking space is trying to appeal to everyone. Spoiler alert: that’s a fast track to an empty office.
Instead, find your niche:
- Freelancers crave flexibility and open space.
- Startups need private rooms, pitch decks, and whiteboards.
- Wellness pros might want calm vibes and meditation zones.
- Remote teams need reliable internet and solid coffee (non-negotiable).
Define who you’re for, and they’ll find you.
Step 3: Build a Business Plan That Doesn’t Make Your Accountant Cry
You don’t need a 50-page pitch deck—but you do need a solid business plan that covers:
- Your mission and target audience
- Revenue streams (memberships, event rentals, virtual offices, etc.)
- Startup costs and funding plan
- Marketing strategy (more on that soon)
Think of your business plan like a GPS—it doesn’t drive for you, but you’ll be lost without it.
Step 4: Scout the Right Location—Foot Traffic Over Fancy Districts
Choosing a location isn’t just about the zip code. It’s about who you’re serving and what they value. Look for:
- Accessibility (parking and public transit)
- Nearby cafes, gyms, and food spots
- Existing foot traffic and business hubs
And yes, negotiating a lease can feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphs. Get a lawyer, read the fine print, and don’t assume anything—especially about build-out responsibilities or renewal clauses.
Step 5: Design with Vibes AND Function in Mind
Here’s a fun design fact: no one’s staying in your space if the lighting makes them feel like they’re in a dentist’s office.
Design matters. So do function and flow.
- Offer different zones: focus areas, social lounges, phone booths
- Add lots of outlets—dead laptops equal lost customers
- Invest in ergonomic furniture (trust us, bad chairs get bad reviews)
- Create a kitchen that’s clean, stocked, and proudly smells like espresso
Step 6: Funding—The Real Deal (and the Real Cost)
On average, it costs between $75,000 and $150,000+ to get a mid-sized coworking space off the ground. That includes everything from renovations to routers.
Your funding options:
- Bootstrapping – Total control, total stress
- Loans – Great if you like paperwork and repayment schedules
- Investors – Pitch-perfect? You might land capital and mentorship
- Preselling memberships – A smart way to build buzz and fund early operations
Bonus tip: Unexpected expenses will show up like uninvited guests. Have a cushion.
Step 7: Handle the Legal Stuff Before It Handles You
You’ll need:
- A registered business (LLC or equivalent)
- Commercial insurance (liability, property)
- Proper permits and licenses
- A lease agreement that protects your rights
- A rock-solid membership contract (don’t copy-paste—customize it)
If this stuff bores you to tears, imagine the legal headache of skipping it.
Step 8: Build a Lean, Mean Team (Even If It’s Just You at First)
In the early days, you might be the community manager, janitor, tech support, and event planner all rolled into one.
But as you grow, hire smart:
- Community Manager: the heart of your space
- Ops/Admin: the one who keeps things running behind the scenes
- Tech support: someone who understands routers better than you
If hiring full-time isn’t possible yet, lean on coworking software to automate tasks.
Step 9: Get the Word Out (and Keep It Out There)
If a coworking space opens and no one knows about it, does it even exist?
Here’s how to market like a pro:
- Local SEO: Optimize your Google Business profile
- Events: Host a free coworking day or pop-up workshop
- Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and even Facebook groups work wonders
- Referral programs: Reward your first members for bringing friends
- Partnerships: Team up with cafés, gyms, even colleges
Remember: people aren’t just buying a desk—they’re joining a vibe.
Step 10: Build Community First, Revenue Second
People stick around not just for Wi-Fi, but for connection.
So:
- Host member lunches, talks, or coffee mornings
- Celebrate birthdays and business wins
- Connect members with shared interests (and needs)
When people feel like they belong, they don’t just pay to work—they invite others to join.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Build Slow, Grow Strong
Learning how to start a coworking space isn’t just about walls and Wi-Fi. It’s about community, purpose, and flexibility. The most successful spaces aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones that feel the most human.
So take your time. Experiment. Ask for feedback. And know that even if you start small, your space can make a big impact.
Need Help Launching or Marketing Your Coworking Space?
As a trusted Digital Marketing Company in Chandigarh, we help coworking founders like you build visibility, optimize for search, and turn curious browsers into loyal members. Whether you need a stunning website, smart local SEO, or a launch campaign that actually converts—we’re here for it.
Let’s help your coworking dream go from idea to iconic.