What makes coworking spaces stick?

Belonging, confidence & community for micro businesses

Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the deep value of neighbourhood coworking.....

In Newry, speaking at The Growth Network I shared ideas around what it means to build people-first workspaces, places where heart, confidence and community come before branding or scale. They’re spaces where individuals aren’t just renting a desk they’re building meaningful relationships and finding a sense of belonging.

🎉 Community in Action at The Hub Newry

Just a few days later, we celebrated European Coworking Day a little early with a relaxed community lunch at The Hub Newry. We brought together members, local partners, neighbours and friends for good food, easy conversation and a moment to reflect on what coworking makes possible.

It was simple and joyful and a perfect reminder of why these moments of connection matter so much. In a world that often feels overwhelming or disconnected, just sitting around a table can feel like a powerful act of community.

💬 What Our Members Are Telling Us

Earlier this year, we asked our members one simple question:

"What would you love to see more of in your coworking space?"

The answers came through clearly:

• More meaningful business introductions

• Greater connection with the local community

• More ways to be seen, heard, and involved as individuals

The message? People aren’t just looking for space — they want to feel they belong.

🤝 Belonging Is Good for Business

Coworking is often sold as a flexible space solution but the true impact happens between the desks.

According to Harvard Business Review, coworking can significantly boost wellbeing, agency, and emotional trust compared to traditional office setups.

And as noted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses that invest in local community relationships build more trust, loyalty, and visibility, all vital for long-term growth.

🌍 The Microbusiness Landscape

Microbusinesses (those with fewer than 10 employees) account for:

• Over 90% of businesses globally

• Around 70% of global employment

But many face daily challenges:

• Isolation

• Lack of visibility

• Limited resources

• Burnout from doing it all

Neighbourhood coworking spaces can act as a lifeline offering an ecosystem of shared support, natural collaboration and values-aligned community.

💡 Five Ways Neighbourhood Coworking Supports Micro businesses

1. Design for belonging, not just desks
   Create an environment where people feel emotionally safe and welcomed from day one.

2. Encourage organic connection
   Informal catchups and low-pressure networking go a long way in building trust and camaraderie.

3. Bridge to the wider community
   Facilitate connections with local businesses, organisations, and events outside your own walls.

4. Listen and act
   Feedback is only useful when it leads to visible change. Show members that their voice matters.

5. Build spaces that support confidence
   Confidence grows when people feel safe to show up fully, ask for help, and try something new.

📍 From Newry in Northern Ireland to Vigo in Portugal and beyond

As I prepare to speak again in Antrim, I’m bringing with me a very clear message:

Micro business owners need more than space. They need connection, encouragement, and belonging.

Neighbourhood coworking spaces are perfectly placed to offer all of that. We don’t just provide offices. We hold space for people and for the businesses they’re working so hard to build.

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether you're running a coworking space, working solo, or supporting a local team, how it feels to be in your space matters.

Not just how it functions, but how it welcomes. How it listens. How it connects.

Let’s keep creating spaces where the heart is the glue where confidence grows, and where people leave feeling more human than when they arrived.

If you're building something like this where you are I'd love to hear about it.

Let’s keep connecting. Let’s keep showing up with heart.