More than a desk: 701 Coworking is the ‘shining jewel’ of a Grand Forks economic development nonprofit
On any given weekday in downtown Grand Forks, you’ll spot laptops open and whiteboards filling up at 701 Coworking. The shared workspace has become a steady gathering place for founders, UND students, remote workers, and military spouses juggling flexible schedules.
The space has been described as the “shining jewel” of a local economic development nonprofit, according to Technical.ly, which profiled Grand Forks’ startup scene and its support network. Locally, 701 Coworking is operated in concert with Evolve Grand Forks, the entrepreneur-focused nonprofit that partners with the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation to lower barriers for people starting and growing companies, according to the organizations’ materials.
What you’ll find when you walk in
701 Coworking offers the basics you expect—reliable Wi‑Fi, open tables, and quieter nooks—along with bookable conference rooms and a commons area used for meetups and workshops, according to Evolve Grand Forks’ program descriptions. Coffee and printing are standard amenities, and regular events aim to help newcomers plug into mentors and peers.
Memberships typically include flexible monthly options and day passes, with longer-term choices for people who want a dedicated setup, according to the coworking operator’s published information. Many coworking spaces offer extended access for members and staff-hosted hours for tours; check ahead for current hours and entry procedures.
Quick facts to plan your visit:
- Where: Downtown Grand Forks (check the 701 Coworking site for the exact address and parking guidance)
- When: Weekday tours and member access; check ahead for staffed hours and event times
- Cost: Day passes and monthly memberships available; confirm current pricing before you go
If you’ve been meaning to test a focused workday away from home, a day pass can be a low-commitment way to try the space. Prospective members can also ask about student rates or team options if you’re bringing co‑founders or colleagues.
Why it matters in Grand Forks
Coworking isn’t just desks—it’s infrastructure for the local business pipeline. Evolve Grand Forks positions 701 Coworking as a front door for first-time founders and remote professionals to find coaching, peers, and programming, according to the nonprofit’s materials. That mix helps ideas move from “I’ve got a concept” to “I’ve got customers,” right here in town.
For the city’s broader goals—reenergizing downtown, keeping UND talent in the region, and creating more places to start and scale—spaces like 701 are part of the toolkit, according to the City of Grand Forks’ economic development priorities. It’s a practical bridge between campus and company-building, and a friendly landing zone for newcomers stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base who want to plug into the civilian workforce.
Organizers say companies have used 701 Coworking as a launchpad before growing into their own offices and storefronts downtown, according to Evolve Grand Forks. Even for solo remote workers, the payoff can be immediate: a steady routine, fewer distractions, and people you can swap ideas with over coffee.
What people here are saying
Technical.ly’s profile called 701 Coworking the “shining jewel” of the area’s entrepreneur support network, underscoring its central role in day-to-day startup life. Local leaders with Evolve Grand Forks have framed the hub as a way to lower the cost—and the intimidation—of getting started, pointing to mentorship and programming that meet people where they are, according to the nonprofit’s summaries.
Users who’ve shared testimonials describe the space as a dependable place to meet clients, host small workshops, and find collaborators. Chamber contacts note that coworking remains a draw for professionals relocating to Grand Forks who want community and a turnkey office, according to the Greater Grand Forks Chamber’s member spotlights.
How to get involved
If you want a look before you commit, ask about a tour or a day pass and plan a work session to see how the space fits your routine. The operator’s website lists membership options, event calendars, and contact information for questions about student, military, or team rates—check there first for the most current details.
You can also keep an eye on Evolve Grand Forks’ announcements for workshops, pitch nights, and mentor hours tied to UND’s academic calendar and downtown programming. If your business is farther along, the Grand Forks Region EDC can point you to financing tools and space options that complement what you start at 701 Coworking.
What to Watch
Watch for the next round of workshops and founder meetups posted by 701 Coworking and Evolve Grand Forks as the fall semester and year-end planning season pick up. City-led efforts around downtown activation may add more after-hours events and pop-up collaborations in the space. If you’re timing a visit, check calendars the week prior—programming often clusters around UND breaks and community events at the Alerus Center and along DeMers Avenue.
