According to CNBC, almost 13 percent of the U.S. working-age population was in the process of starting or running a new business last year—a 67% jump from 2010. Forbes notes that “an increasingly diverse cross-section of individuals is leaving large organizations and pursuing the creation of their own businesses.”
This year, you may be one of the new crop of individuals looking to make your mark. If so, you’re in luck—Pittsburgh has a rising number of coworking spaces and shared resources that will help you launch your new venture with less risk and a growing community of like-minded individuals that will provide inspiration and support. These facilities offer month-to-month leases and turnkey amenities that allow you to plug-and-play from Day 1.
Entrepreneurs and freelancers of all kinds—from coders to cooks—have access to a wide range of options all over the city. To start you off, here is our comprehensive guide to Pittsburgh’s coworking spaces.
Flexible Office Space
Where: East Liberty
6101 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
How much: Starts at $50/month for students for flexible membership and $100 for non-students. Private offices start at $350.
Why: The Beauty Shoppe’s tagline “Work Beautifully” says it all. Founders Rabih Helou and Matt Ciccone are obsessed with the way people work, and it shows in the thoughtful design.
Where: East Liberty
5877 Commerce St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
How much: Private offices start at $350/month.
Why: Cube in East Liberty offers affordable, short-term lease office space for companies that have outgrown the shared spaces. With communal kitchens, lounges and amenities, Cube offers the best of communal and private office spaces.
The X Factory
Where: Point Breeze
6901 Lynn Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
How much: Pricing is flexible. Contact Howard Eisner at 412-855-3353 or howardeisner@gmail.com.
Why: At five stories and 250,000 sq. ft. it is one of the largest shared spaces in the city.
Where: Oakland
3710 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
How much: Desks start at $150/month. Private offices start at $500/month.
Why: In the heart of the neighborhood with Pittsburgh’s top universities, Revv Oakland boasts a distinctive lineup of startups, including Uber, NoWait and StitchFix.
Where: Lawrenceville
4327 Butler St, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
How much: Catapult starts with $10 day passes and flexible desks at $50/month. Offices start at $250.
Why: Located in Lawrenceville, the coworking space offers not only desks but regular networking events through its Meetup group and an open device lab where developers can test their work in multiple devices.
Where: Lawrenceville
305 34th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
How much: Memberships vary based on needs.
Why: The Global Switchboard is a co-working space for Pittsburgh’s globally engaged social-profit organizations and individuals. Global Switchboard provides not only space but also support and connections to grow your organization.
Where: Uptown
1936 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
How much: Rates start at $150/month.
Why: StartUptown launched before “coworking” was a thing—the space is bright and cozy and houses companies ranging from design to bio-engineering startups. Mentorship is available for companies who are interested. The space is located in the Keystone Innovation Zone, which makes companies eligible for a number of benefits, including tax credits.
Where: Uptown
1727 Blvd of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
How much: Rates start at $150/month.
Why: The beautifully redesigned old building goes back to its roots with a movie-themed aesthetic. There are offices on two floors and conference rooms for small to large meetings.
Where: Downtown
945 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15219
How much: Rates start at $50/month for students to $250 for full membership.
Why: Right in the heart of downtown, real estate innovator Eve Picker’s coworking space was born out of the desire to optimize excess space. The product is a beautiful, lofty workspace with amenities that include office and art supplies plus photo backdrops and light kits.
Where: The Strip District
2002 Smallman St. Pittsburgh PA 15219
How much: Desks can be used daily for $10, weekly for $30 and $100 per month.
Why: Everyone’s coworking entry point has been coffee shops. 21st Coffee has formalized that by devoting a section in the loft space of the café where coworkers get the basic amenities plus a 20% discount at the coffee shop.
Where: Allentown
744 E. Warrington Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15210
How much: Memberships start at $45/month.
Why: Work Hard PGH is a coworking space that fosters deliberate collaboration—members are welcome to mine the expertise of its community of digital and freelance professionals. Work Hard PGH offers desk space and basic amenities as well as production facilities such as a green screen room, podcasting and VO booths.
PGH Green Innovators CoWorkshop
Where: Lower Hill District
Energy Innovation Center (EIC), 1435 Bedford Ave., Suite 140, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
How much: Furnished desk space rates range from $300 to $425/month. Email tbartnik@
Why: PGH Green Innovators welcomes individuals and non-profits working on green economic development. Located in the Energy Innovation Center, PGI is part of the Keystone Innovation Zone, which makes companies eligible for a number of benefits, including tax credits.
Where: North Side
100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
How much: Membership starts at $99/month
Why: Alloy 26, the largest space of its kind in Western Pennsylvania with 50,000 square feet of flexible workspace, is opening its permanent location in April. Part of the massive urban renewal project Nova Place, Alloy 26 occupants will find themselves in an emerging technology space only minutes from downtown.
Where: Sharpsburg
2310 Main St., Pittsburgh, PA 15215
How much: Access to space starts at $125/month
Why: The newly opened Whetstone Workgroup marries coworking for freelancers with on-site childcare for entrepreneurs with kids. In addition to office space, Whetstone offers workshops, software access and special events tailored to freelancers. Located in the same building as La Dorita (see below).
Soon to come:
Think Tank’s website indicates that they are currently looking for space in the downtown area.
