Not every business needs a long-term lease, a big office buildout, or a permanent dedicated space. Sometimes what you really need is a reliable “home base”—a place to work, meet, collaborate, and stay connected—without the overhead and hassle.

That’s where coworking comes in.

Coworking is more than a desk and Wi-Fi. At its best, it’s a flexible, professional environment that helps business owners and remote professionals show up consistently, stay focused, and build momentum—while still keeping costs practical.

At the Kearney Chamber, we’ve seen firsthand how shared workspace and meeting space can support real businesses in real ways. Here are a few of the benefits we hear most often from the people who use it.

1) A productive place to work (that isn’t your kitchen table)

Working from home can be convenient—until the distractions start piling up. Coworking offers a dedicated environment that signals to your brain: this is work time.

As one coworking user put it:

“Working there daily improved my focus and productivity…”
— Nicolas Vasquez, Financial Representative

Even if you don’t need a full office every day, having a consistent space available can make it easier to build routines, stay organized, and separate work from home life.

Best for:

• Remote employees and hybrid workers
• Entrepreneurs building a business between meetings
• Professionals who want a consistent, quiet place to focus

2) Professional meetings without committing to a full-time office

Many businesses don’t need an office 40 hours a week—but do need a professional, welcoming space for client conversations, planning sessions, or team check-ins.

One member who has used the Chamber’s meeting space for years shared:

“It is a great alternative to paying monthly for an office space that I may only need for a few hours a month… The space is very inviting, while still professional.”
— Eric Arthur Sokol, Esq.

That flexibility matters—especially for newer businesses, consultants, and service providers who want to keep overhead low while still meeting in a setting that builds confidence.

Best for:

• Client consultations and confidential conversations
• Small group meetings
• Startup planning sessions
• Quick “touch base” meetings between appointments

3) Credibility and visibility that happens naturally

One of the most underrated benefits of coworking inside a Chamber environment is that it’s not just a workspace—it’s a place where the community already flows through.

When members are working in the space, they’re often interacting with entrepreneurs, local leaders, and other Chamber members simply because they’re present. And those everyday moments can turn into something bigger.

“Instead of networking feeling forced or scheduled, it happened organically—often over coffee, between meetings, or while sharing a workspace.”
— Nicolas Vasquez, Financial Representative

Coworking can help you become a familiar face, build trust faster, and get more “top-of-mind” referrals—without having to constantly chase networking events.

4) Flexible setups that fit how you actually work

Not everyone works the same way. Some people need a dedicated desk. Others need a quiet corner a few times a week. Others need a private space when clients arrive.

One member described the value of being able to shift between spaces depending on the day:

“Flexible space: either a table space at the entry… or the rear conference room to work from and to meet clients with privacy.”
— Diane Montague, Montague Custom Travel Design

That kind of flexibility supports the way real businesses operate—especially when schedules change, meetings pop up, or you simply need a different environment to do your best work.

5) Amenities that remove friction and make your day easier

It’s hard to stay productive when you’re constantly improvising—hunting for a charger, buying yet another coffee, or trying to meet someone in a noisy public place.

Good coworking spaces reduce friction with small but meaningful conveniences. Our users often mention things like:

• Easy access and flexible entry
• Coffee, tea, and water
• Break space amenities (refrigerator/freezer, microwave)
• Printing options and presentation support
• Simple, professional setup that feels welcoming

As Diane shared about her experience:

“A key to enter the building on my own time… Convenient location with free parking… Professional atmosphere and fun moments with staff and other tenants.”
— Diane Montague, Montague Custom Travel Design

It’s the kind of “support system” that helps you spend your time on your work—not on logistics.

6) Room to gather, train, and grow

Coworking isn’t only for solo work. It’s also a practical solution for teams or organizations who need a dependable place to host training sessions, workshops, or continuing education—without upgrading their own office space.

“We’ve been using the Chamber’s co-working space for our continuing education events… It provides a neutral and professional environment… and is incredibly affordable.”
— Matt Brown, RE/MAX Advantage

When your office isn’t built for gatherings, having access to a conference room or meeting space can remove a big barrier to growth and professional development.

Best for:

• Trainings and CE events
• Team meetings and planning sessions
• Workshops and small presentations
• Groups needing a neutral, professional setting

What “coworking” can look like at the Chamber

Coworking doesn’t have to mean one thing. In fact, the most effective setups usually offer options, depending on what your business needs right now.

At the Kearney Chamber, our workspace options generally fall into three categories:

• Coworking common space: a professional, shared environment for focused work and connection
• Private offices: ideal for those who need consistency, privacy, and a dedicated business home base
• Conference rooms / meeting space: a polished setting for client meetings, trainings, and small gatherings

Whether you’re building a local presence, meeting clients a few times a month, hosting trainings, or simply needing a productive place to work—coworking can be a smart, flexible tool in your business toolkit.

A final thought: the “right” space is the one that supports your goals

Coworking is practical, yes—but it can also be surprisingly meaningful. A place that helps you focus, shows clients you’re serious, and keeps you connected to your community can be more than a workspace. It can become part of how your business grows.

Or, as one member put it:

“This is now my Kearney Branch Office… The Chamber’s support of my presence here has been phenomenal.”
— Diane Montague, Montague Custom Travel Design

If you’ve never tried coworking, consider this your invitation to rethink what shared workspace can do for you—not as a big commitment, but as a flexible resource you can use when it makes sense.

Click here for more information on Kearney Chamber conference room rentals and coworking options.