Impact Hub Berkeley

The staff was very nice, but the space was boiling hot and cramped.
When a young dreadlocked girl started microwaving broccoli I knew it was time to go.

Love the space and the people. Hosts are always very friendly, and it is a quiet and social, but not too social place to get work done. I have met some really interesting people and have the pleasure to teach meditation there every Thursday afternoon.
Totally recommend it!
Vlad

I work remotely for my organization in Washington. The Impact Hub has changed my life! I really enjoy coming into work there every day. I’m in the Berkeley location, which is quiet and relaxing, though you can be as social with the folks there as you like. And as a tea-​aholic, the massive selection of Numi teas is a major benefit.

Hub Berkeley is a 2000 sq/​ft work, networking, meeting, and event space for members on the fourth floor of the David Brower Center. It’s an inviting interactive space that is tailor made for bringing social entrepreneurs together here and virtually throughout the world. It’s somewhat similar to UC Berkeley’s nearby Sky Deck, but with less of a free market business school approach. I was here as part of a Unilocal Field Trip event and I was impressed.
There are a number of rates depending on how much time and resources you need. There’s also member’s coffee bar and meeting rooms available. So if you’re a writer that is already spending a hundred bucks (or so) at Starbucks with your laptop, this might be superior alternative for you. And the intellectual synergy of being in the same room with motivated and like minded folks is priceless.

I haven’t written a Unilocal review in a long time that started with something like: «this place changed my life» that didn’t involve a coffee-​induced rush.
Yet here is a top 10 list of how The Hub has changed my life:
1) Unavoidable coffee love statement: They have great free espresso and Straus milk, courtesy of Hub supporters, as part of your membership.
2) An infectious buzz not only from the coffee but ambitious, friendly, passionate social entrepreneurs working around you.
3) Thought provoking events… a constant stream… usually accompanied by good food. The events in themselves change your life or your business.
4) Beautiful location, easy from BART or bike. Lots of light, overall pleasant (if you don’t mind crowdedness sometime.), and the chance to bump into «changemakers» in the elevator and stairwells.
5) Awesome staff who truly care about what you’re working on and your enjoyment of the Hub as a working space.
6) A perfect office away from home, if you feel isolated or simply sick of working at home.
7) Possible sparks of inspiration and connections that can propel your projects along. Lots of white boards and other creative spaces to get you out of your head. Plus a daily newsletter you can post requests or opportunities. I like it to remind me to get off my butt and into the world.
8) The chance to share your expertise, improve yourself by practicing pitching or speaking.
9) Makes me want to be a better person — really. The Hub inspires me to do more, give more, and aim higher in my aspirations.
10) You have the option to work out of other Hubs when traveling. The SOMA Hub gives you a chance to meet a whole other crowd of interesting people.
These 10 points eeked out of my mere basic level membership. If you’re starting a social enterprise, plan on visiting the Hub to see for yourself… all that I haven’t even mentioned here.

Excellent wine and chocolate tasting event.

I have been a member of the Hub since it opened, and have found it useful and wonderful in so many ways. I’d recommend that any social entrepreneur or start up nonprofit join, because it’s an excellent way to connect with people doing similar work. And you have access to so many useful events and services. I run the nonprofit Sustainable Economies Law Center, and we have had all of our law student interns work in the space. They usually report that they LOVE it there. It’s also a very inexpensive place to host small gatherings ($ 12-​$ 20 per hour to use their lovely meeting room for a brown bag lunch discussion or something similar).
It’s sort of a cross between a big coffee shop (free coffee and tea all day!) and a work space (with meeting rooms, privacy booths, printer, fax, etc.) Everyone who works there is delightfully friendly, and there are fun events during the day (Sexy Salad on Wednesdays, where everyone brings one ingredient for a salad bar).

HUB Bay Area is a great place for working, networking and enjoying a relaxed vibe. Jeff Shiau will welcome you with a friendly hello and any support you need to make the experience a great one. I highly recommend this to any innovative start-​up or established organization in the Bay Area. A better place to work and play!

This is an *amazing* place that must be seen to be believed. The concept is amazing, as are the location and the people. I highly recommend checking it out!

Just spent my first day working at the Hub Bay Area (in the David Brower Center in Downtown Berkeley). The people are great, the atmosphere is relaxed yet focused. The space is inviting. The free espresso and chocolate is naturally a winner. .. Wish I’d been using this space for the last few months!