A Guide to Coworking in Edmonton

Shared workspaces in Canada are becoming more popular. According to industry reports, the market will grow from USD 3.24 billion in 2024 to USD 4.75 billion by 2029.

As more businesses take advantage of coworking, Edmonton in Alberta has plenty of inviting spaces to choose from. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing metro regions, it’s rife with opportunities for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

The city also has a thriving AI and technology sector, as well as eight higher education institutions boasting around 130,000 students. Given this, it’s no surprise that it’s an exciting location to start or grow your business.

If you’re considering coworking in Edmonton, it’s important to consider a number of factors. For example, you may be on the lookout for an area that’s great for networking, or a location that’s better for acquiring new and skilled talent.

Let’s take a look at some key facts that will help you find the best coworking space in Edmonton for all your business needs.

Geography of Edmonton

Edmonton lies on the North Saskatchewan River and forms part of the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor, the most urbanized area in Alberta. Influential brands, such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Canadian Western Bank, and many more have offices in Edmonton.

The central business district is Downtown, but you can also find shared office space in West Edmonton and South Edmonton.

The city’s rich history dates back thousands of years to when hunter-gatherers roamed the land. Today, it’s home to a regional population of around 1.4 million people, with a $110 billion GDP and growing.

Edmonton offers access to North America’s largest urban forest, 460 regional parks, and over 50 festivals held every year. This makes for a thriving cultural scene, as well as an excellent area for entertainment.

Public transport, including bus and light rail transit services, provides easy access to a lot of areas across the city. Additionally, the international airport is less than 30 kilometers from Downtown, making it reachable from all over the world.

8 Benefits of establishing your company in Edmonton

The city is home to North America’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem. It has an established food and agriculture industry, as well as global logistics. In recent years, there’s been growth across digital media and entertainment, and clean technology has also been thriving.

When it comes to the advantages of using shared office space in Edmonton, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s now explore some of the benefits that make Alberta’s capital city an excellent place to start or grow your business.

1. Global recognition

As a fast-growing city with a welcoming community, Edmonton has gained a reputation on the global stage over the years.

In 2022, it became the first Canadian city to join UNESCO’s ranks as one of the top education cities in the world. As part of the Global Network of Learning Cities, Edmonton is celebrated for its dedication to lifelong learning and cultural prosperity.

The city also has a growing reputation as a food lover’s paradise, as well as being a prime destination for festivals and culture.

Some of the most popular ones include the International Jazz Festival and the Taste of Edmonton Food Festival. The International Street Performers Festival and Purple City Music Festival also draw in big crowds each year.

This and more help contribute to a business-friendly environment that promotes work-life balance. Such qualities are attractive for fresh businesses looking to innovate, collaborate, and grow in a thriving Canadian metropolis.

2. Cost-effective economic environment

Edmonton is a very cost-effective and affordable city, especially for businesses. The cost of office space is typically lower than in other Canadian regions.

With lower prices, running a business from a shared workspace in Edmonton will help keep your overheads to a minimum. This more than makes it a desirable location for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small enterprises.

3. Ease of incorporation

It’s possible to establish a company in Alberta in a few simple steps, such as by making it easier to open business bank accounts and build credit. This allows those with an entrepreneurial mindset to set up quickly and expand effectively.

Edmonton’s governing authorities are also working to make it easier for new and small businesses to establish a presence in the city.

The City Council also has several resources available for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Edmonton. Utilizing a shared office space for rent in Edmonton will give you and your business access to all this support.

4. Tax advantages

Alberta has the lowest combined tax rate in Canada when compared to the national average. It’s also one of the lowest tax rates in North America.

The provincial corporate tax rate is 8% and there’s no provincial sales tax or PST. Combined, this makes the overall tax less of a burden for businesses, often by quite a large margin.

Additionally, Edmonton offers various provincial and federal tax credits and grants. The Innovation Employment grant can provide companies with up to 20% of their research and development costs. The Strategic Innovation Fund also supplies funding and support.

5. Tech and innovation hub

Home to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, or Amii for short, Edmonton already has a strong reputation in the AI field. With this hub for research and cutting-edge innovation, the region continues to attract top talent and global attention.

Edmonton was called the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in North America in 2021. Huge names like Apple, Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon have also invested in the area.

As such the city enjoys a thriving and growing tech scene, which will no doubt continue for the foreseeable future.

6. Attracting talent

Along with top-class institutions, Edmonton is home to around 130,000 students. Regional institutions include the University of Alberta and the Northern Alberta University of Technology.

The province is also known for producing a large number of STEM graduates. The lower costs of living and the inclusive environment are attractive prospects for establishing talent in Edmonton.

Small businesses looking to grow with fresh talent will gain access to this wide range of skills, knowledge, and experience.

7. Diverse economy

The Alberta region is famous for its oil and gas industry. However, it also has a diverse economy that supports a wide range of sectors.

For example, the province has around 1.7 million acres of agricultural land. It’s also Canada’s largest hydrogen hub, with billions in regional investments projected by 2030.

Health and Life Sciences is another prominent industry, with nearly 300 companies in the region alone. Edmonton is also seeing growth across the digital entertainment industry, including gaming and eSports.

8. Food, culture, and entertainment in Edmonton

Whether you’re networking with clients or bonding with collaborators, Edmonton offers a variety of options for entertainment and post-work activities.

From hip eateries in the historic Old Strathcona to cocktails at Bar Clementine in the Oliver neighborhood, there’s no shortage of venues. Impress important clients with a symphony at the Winspear Centre or keep it casual with some jazz at the Yardbird suite.

Whatever your preferences, there’s entertainment, cuisine, or an event to fit the bill. This makes Edmonton a fantastic spot for impressing clients while also perpetuating a healthy work-life balance.

How much are coworking memberships in Edmonton?

Running a business in Edmonton can be more cost-effective than in other cities across Canada and the US, including big cities like New York or San Francisco.

However, with a shared workspace, you can streamline business costs even more. By working from offices that are fully furnished and ready to go, you can reduce several of your overhead costs immediately.

Coworking from a hot desk in Edmonton can cost as little as CAD 39 per day or CAD 149 per month. Compared to cities like Vancouver, where day coworking can start at CAD 55 per day, it makes the Alberta capital a desirable option.

The best coworking spaces in Edmonton

Due to the city’s thriving and growing business ecosystem, as well as the rise in demand for flexible workspaces, there are plenty of shared offices in Edmonton.

Whether you’re looking for a bustling business center where you can network and collaborate, or a quiet spot in a serviced office to hunker down, we’ll take you through some of our top spots for coworking in Edmonton.

Manulife Place

Entrepreneurs who want to set themselves up for success will love Manulife Place. This iconic glass skyscraper in the heart of Edmonton offers city views for motivation and an on-site coffee bar for quick refreshments.

When it comes to networking and client entertainment, there are plenty of eateries and venues nearby. From the Craft Beer Market to the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum, you’ll have plenty of choices.

There are also local supermarkets and retail stores if you need to pick up a few items after work. Additionally, fantastic transport links make getting around a breeze.

Highlights include

• Gym and fitness center
• On-site lunch restaurant
• Secure underground parking

Information about Manulife Place

• Location: 10180 101 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S4
• Starting cost: From CAD 255 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: 102 Street Stop Light Rail Station (a one-minute walk away), 101 Street & 102 Avenue Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), and Central Station Light Rail Station (a four-minute walk away)

98 Avenue

If you’re looking for a modern, fully serviced office with meeting rooms for conference calls, look no further than 98 Avenue. Work with others in communal breakout areas or find a booth for quiet concentration.

Nestled between Rossdale and Downtown Edmonton, this shared office is close to a wide range of businesses and amenities. It’s also a short walk from River Valley Park, which makes for an excellent spot for grabbing some fresh air or getting some steps in.

For indoor activities, 98 Avenue also has its own on-site gym, as well as a jacuzzi for when you and your team need a bit of downtime.

Highlights include

• Gym and fitness room
• Major transport links
• Disabled facilities

Information about 98 Avenue

• Location: 10611 98 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2P7
• Starting cost: From CAD 195 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Government Transit Centre (a two-minute walk away) and 107 Street & 97 Avenue Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)

First Edmonton Place

First Edmonton Place offers modern, comfortable, and fully furnished offices for professionals who want to make an impact. In the heart of Downtown Edmonton, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants and bars for post-work relaxation.

For client entertaining networking, there are plenty of great spots nearby, including several live music venues, restaurants, and bars being a short walk away.

Highlights include

• Business lounge
• Secure underground parking
• Breakout areas

Information about First Edmonton Place

• Location: 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S9
• Starting cost: From CAD 299 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Corona Light Rail Station (a one-minute walk away), 106 Street & Jasper Avenue Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), and 107 Street & 100 Avenue Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)

51 Avenue

Freelancers and small businesses looking for a shared office in the Davies Industrial West district will find what they need at 51 Avenue. Outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown, but still close enough to the action, it’s an excellent spot for growing your business.

Popular with trades, industrial, and manufacturing businesses, this is a fantastic spot for operators in the logistics sector. For team bonding or client entertainment, Soju Karaoke and Bar is not far away.

Highlights include

• Meeting rooms
• Breakout areas
• Major transport links

Information about 51 Avenue

• Location: 9426 51 Ave NW #2nd, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5A6
• Starting cost: From CAD 275 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: 93 Street & 51 Avenue Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away)

Discover serviced offices in Edmonton with Regus

A coworking space in Edmonton is a great way to reduce costs while still getting the benefits of a fully furnished office in a busy city. With an established tech and AI sector and an influx of fresh talent, Alberta’s capital has plenty of potential for business growth.

At Regus, we specialize in helping businesses and individuals find the best-shared office for their professional needs. For advice on finding a coworking space in Edmonton that works for you, get in touch with our friendly experts today.

To explore some of our many other offices, you can take a look at our global locations. Alternatively, to work with flexibility from multiple cities all over the world, check out our membership plans.