Hi, Chattanooga. 👋 It’s Trista, and I’m here to talk about freelancing again. Maybe you’re wondering why I won’t stop bringing this up — it’s because Chattanooga was ranked 30 out of 150 U.S. cities for freelancers, and when I asked how we could move up the ranks, y’all helped me find some useful resources I want to share.
It’s 2019 and remote work is more relevant than ever. Some people use it as a way to travel the world while others use it to juggle staying at home with their kids and working during their down time. However you’re utilizing the benefits of working in the digital world, we’re here to make sure you know all your resources for success. 💻
I’ve put together a guide of networking groups, co-working spaces + coffee shops based on our research, personal preferences + your feedback. We tried to keep this guide as local as possible, meaning we didn’t include businesses that started elsewhere and moved here.
We also chose coffee shops that were less obvious — we all know Camp House is a good environment for getting work done, but have you been to The Spot yet? ☕ No matter your working habits, the city has something to offer you.
Take my hand, I’ll be your guide on this adventure. 🤝
First things first, many of you wanted to see more networking communities in the city. This is a great resource for connecting with like-minded professionals. There are some general groups you can join, like Nooga Networking, and more specific ones, like the Chattanooga Marketing Clinic. There’s even a group for women who work from home. 🙌 If you don’t see a group that fits your needs exactly, you can start your own community. Personally, I’d love to see a group for anyone else who also has to wear multiple sweaters at the office because the AC is always too low. ❄️
Are you feeling inspired yet?
Check out this list of co-working spaces, started right here in Chattanooga. 👇
- Location: 1100 Market St.
- Amenities: gigabit internet, conference rooms, business address, printer + phone booths
- Cost: Day pass $25/month | Community desks $150/month | Reserved desk $350/month | Private office $560+/month
- How it Works: Located in the Edney Innovation Center,, Society of Work’s day pass will give you M-F access from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Their community desks, private desks + private offices allow access to shared or private work spaces for yourself or your team.
- Location: 400 East Main St., Suite 215
- Amenities: common areas, conference rooms, desks, printer/copier/scanner, lockers, EPB gig wireless internet, fully stocked kitchen, free parking, free coffee + tea
- Cost: Day pass $15 | Reserved desk $299/month | Basic membership $57/month
- How it works: For 24/7 access to the office, your own reserved desk space + first dibs on the conference room, the “reserved desk” plan is for you. A basic membership gives you access to the conference room, tables, standing desks + sofas, but no 24/7 access or ability to leave things overnight. Only looking for a place to work for the day? Try their day pass which gives you access to the common area + kitchen.
- Location: 1208 Pointe Centre Dr.
- Amenities: Individual offices, shared workspaces, break room, lounge, WiFi, ample parking, printer/scanner/copier, walking trail + cleaning service
- Cost: Open plan daily seating $25/day | Dedicated desk or private office, contact the Meeting Pointe.
- How it Works: Contact Chattanooga Meeting Pointe in order to get a tour or more information on their daily desk passes, dedicated desks or private office spaces.
- Location: 1216 East Main St.
- Amenities: Events/event spaces, coffee shop, shared conference room, private workspaces, porch patio + a ping-pong table
- Cost: Prices vary, contact The Wheelhouse for more information
- How it works: The Wheelhouse is anchored by HK Architects + Set In Stone, a concrete and metal fabrication shop. It is currently home to creative small businesses such as media designers, web developers, artists + more. The Wheelhouse has a wide range of available spaces for leasing.
Co-working spaces not your thing? Coffee probably is. 👇
Mad Priest | 719 Cherry St. | Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri., 7 a.m.-12 a.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun., closed | Full coffee bar ($2.50 drip), baked goods, lunch + dinner menu, beer + cocktails, WiFi, outdoor seating + open late
Mean Mug | 114 W. Main St. + 205 Manufacturers Rd. | Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Full coffee bar ($2 drip), breakfast all day, lunch, baked goods, WiFi + outdoor seating
Niedlov’s | 215 E. Main St. | Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun., closed | Fresh baked bread + pastries (do we even need to say more?), breakfast + lunch menu, Velo coffee, WiFi + outdoor seating
Stone Cup | 208 Frazier Ave. | Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | Full coffee bar ($2 drip), breakfast and lunch menu, smoothies, WiFi + outdoor seating
The Spot 1800 E. Main St. | Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sun., closed | Full coffee bar ($1.50 drip), breakfast and lunch menu, WiFi + open late
Wildflower Tea 1423 Market St. | Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-6 p.m. | Full tea bar (for when you want to forgo coffee), cozy environment (lots of plants and comfy seating), light snacks + WiFi
