Coworking spaces are exploding because of how much money their members are making.

As the owner of Catalyst Coworking, I can attest to this. Joining a coworking space can be one of the smartest decisions you make as a business owner, freelancer, or remote worker. 

This Q&A guide breaks down the top 15 questions people ask before joining a coworking space and gives clear, no-fluff answers.

1. Who is coworking spaces really for, and who gets the most value out of it?

Three groups thrive in coworking spaces:

• Remote employees who are tired of isolation and slow home internet.
• Startup founders who want to avoid expensive leases and need flexibility.
• Small businesses looking to cut costs and operate lean.

If you don’t need retail traffic or inventory space but somewhere to work, meet, and grow, coworking is probably a perfect fit.

2. Do coworking spaces offer networking opportunities?

1,000%.

And not in a forced, awkward “pass out your business card” way. You’re surrounded by people who are there to work and build. That means natural conversations, referrals, collaborations, and community. 

Coffee shops don’t offer that because people are usually there just to chill. 

But coworking does because everyone is there for a purpose.

3. What happens if I need to scale up or down—can I add more space?

This is the biggest challenge for early startup entrepreneurs who expand too fast and become slaves to their expenses.

Coworking offers a way out from that.

Most coworking spaces let you scale with zero drama. Need to grow your team? Add a desk or another office. Need to downsize? Cancel or downgrade. 

No long-term commitments. No penalties. 

Just options.

4. What kind of internet speed or tech setup should I expect?

The best coworking spaces offer 250-500 Mbps internet, with an option to upgrade to gig speed.

What’s crazy is that some only charge $25/month extra for the premium Wi-Fi, which is still cheaper than most home setups (I’m looking at you, COX).

Plus, many include printing, video call rooms, gear lockers, and more. For Catalyst Coworking, we’re launching a tab on our website where you can host your business’s products and apparel.

5. Are there any hidden fees beyond the membership cost?

This depends on the coworking space. 

At Catalyst Coworking, there are zero surprise charges. What you see is what you get. Other spaces, like The Root or 36 Degrees North, often add fees for conference rooms, guests, and extra desk time. 

Always read the fine print.

6. Is there a trial period or day pass available before committing to a membership?

Most quality spaces offer a free day pass or a trial week. 

Catalyst offers your first month for just $1, with no long-term commitment. That’s how confident we are that you’ll love it.

7. How does coworking spaces compare to leasing a traditional office?

Coworking is more flexible and scalable.

Leasing an office means:

• Long-term contracts
• Hidden costs (utilities, maintenance, cleaning, insurance, etc.)
• Zero flexibility

Coworking means:

• Cancel anytime
• All-inclusive pricing
• Scalable space and community support

You save thousands and eliminate stress.

8. What are the most underrated benefits of coworking spaces people don’t realize until they join?

Two big ones:

• Separation from home helps you focus, which then lets you actually rest at home.
• Community helps you stay motivated and connected. I know that for me and my members, we look forward to work every day.

Also, access to things like meeting rooms, business advice, coffee, and printing adds up fast.

9. Can I customize my workspace or bring personal equipment?

On some tiers, yes.

If you have a designated desk or private office, you can set up your gear, bring in equipment, and personalize your space.

If you’re just starting, use hot desks until you’re ready to upgrade.

10. What’s the biggest myth or misunderstanding about coworking spaces you hear?

Honestly, people just don’t understand what coworking is.

They think you can just lease your own private office for $77 a month. They fail to see that it’s a membership where you have all the amenities of an office in a shared office space, along with there being several tiers to choose from with different perks.

The second myth? That it’s more expensive than a lease. 

It’s not. Not even close.

The only reason for this false perception is because a lot of entrepreneurs only look at price per square foot without factoring in utilities, maintenance, wifi, NNN, property taxes, and more.

11. What makes your coworking space better than others in Tulsa?

Catalyst Coworking is built for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, not corporate overflow or remote workers getting subsidized by grants. 

We prioritize flexibility, transparency, community, and affordability. We don’t nickel and dime like the Root and 36 Degrees North. Our members have only 3-5 employees and are local, meaning you will have the network you need to scale your business.

We help you grow.

12. If someone’s on the fence, what would you say to help them decide?

Your productivity, motivation, and networking will all skyrocket, which means your company will inevitably grow at a faster rate.

You’ll meet great people, get more done, and save money. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Plus, some, like Catalyst, you can try for only $1.

If you hate it, cancel. But you won’t.

13. How do you support members beyond just giving them space?

For Catalyst, I hold mini business strategy conversations at our coworking coffee bar.

I also have member apparel stores, along with offering weekly business education in our free email newsletter.

I do everything I can to give members all the tools they need for success.

14. What’s the biggest win a member has had recently because of being here?

Penny from Face Place Tulsa joined Catalyst and filled her entire esthetician schedule in 2 months.

She already expanded to a bigger office and now has a waitlist. 

Being surrounded by other small business owners fast-tracked her growth.

15. What’s the long-term vision for your coworking space and its members?

I want Catalyst to help create an entrepreneurial environment in Tulsa that is more favorable to business owners rather than big corporations.

I want to give the tools for somebody to start their business with zero hassle to expand or shut it down if it doesn’t work. 

My ideal clients are people who will never want to leave because they grow so much from all the potential they receive together in our community.

From upcoming rooftop seating to food truck parks and more business education, Catalyst will grow with you. Not just for you.

I’d love to meet you

Still have questions?

Schedule a tour, and let’s chat. It might be the most profitable 15 minutes of your year.

First month is just $1.