Small coworking space for local businesses

Remote employees, freelancers, small start-ups, consultants and local firms that need a professional base or occasional meeting space.

Monthly membership fees for desks and offices, plus hourly or daily meeting room bookings and extras such as printing or mail handling.

• Selling and relationship building
• Organising bookings and day-to-day running
• Friendly customer service
• Basic budgeting and lease reading

• A long commercial lease is your biggest risk; check break clauses and what happens if desks stay empty
• Check zoning, occupancy limits and fire code with your municipality before fit-out
• Check accessibility requirements for your province
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Reliable internet and a back-up connection, since members depend on it
• Winter heating and utility costs; check whether they are included in the lease
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $70,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the unit, the fit-out, furniture, internet and shared kitchen and printing set-up. Lease terms can also affect your upfront spending.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many members you attract, the mix of hot desks and private offices, and how full the space stays through the year.

Check the commercial lease closely, including break clauses and what happens if desks stay empty. Also check zoning, occupancy limits and fire code with your municipality, provincial accessibility requirements, insurance, utility costs, and GST/HST registration.