In Nanaimo’s emerging cultural district, Input Cowork has established itself as a cornerstone for the city’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Surrounded by heritage buildings and creative businesses, this thoughtfully designed coworking space serves as a hub for professionals seeking connection, focus, and a place to build something meaningful.
Behind its clean lines and modern interior is a dynamic community that reflects the city’s evolving economic landscape. The entrepreneurial spirit in Nanaimo isn’t static—it shifts in response to new ideas, industries, and opportunities. Input Cowork is where many of those shifts quietly begin.
A Snapshot of Nanaimo’s Economic Diversity
On any given day, Input Cowork brings together a broad range of professionals. Remote engineers, software developers, consultants, and designers form a core group of regular members. Many come for the change of pace from working at home or for the social and professional benefits that come from working alongside others.
The space also attracts small businesses—teams of two to ten people—who need a central, professional environment to meet with clients, collaborate on projects, or prototype new products. Members range from counsellors to marine technology startups, all contributing to the diversity of the space.
Visitors to Nanaimo also find value here: whether in town for conferences, exploring business opportunities, or simply passing through, they use Input’s boardroom, drop-in desks, and workspaces. Some even choose the location for retreats or small industry events, recognizing the blend of functionality and creative atmosphere it provides.
A Decade of Quiet Impact
What many may not realize is that Input Cowork has been operating for nearly a decade. Over that time, it has quietly played a foundational role in Nanaimo’s startup and innovation scene. Several of the city’s most recognized ventures began within its walls.
Hullo Ferries, the high-speed passenger ferry connecting Nanaimo and Vancouver, had early roots there. So did Shift Coastal Technologies, a forward-looking marine technology company developing autonomous watercraft. Input Logic—a digital agency that began as members of the cowork—eventually grew large enough to acquire the very building they once shared.
These are more than success stories. They’re reminders of how the right environment can shape the trajectory of a city. The value of coworking, at its core, lies in these moments of connection: informal mentorship, shared energy, and unexpected collaborations that propel businesses forward.
Looking Ahead
Input Cowork is poised to continue growing alongside the city. With downtown energy building—thanks to infrastructure like the Hullo ferry, and nearby businesses like The Vault and the revitalization of the A&B Sound building—there is a sense of momentum in the neighbourhood.
The space hosts a casual monthly social on the last Thursday of each month and offers tours during regular business hours. With new small office spaces opening up, Input is welcoming a new wave of members ready to grow their businesses in Nanaimo.
It’s not just about productivity. It’s about participation in a local economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and full of promise.
Here, the future begins not with grand gestures, but with the quiet confidence of a shared workspace—and the people who make the most of it.