How to Open a Co-Working Café: A Business for a Free and Prosperous Romania

Romania is full of talented people who dream of building their own business but need a space to work, collaborate, and grow. In large cities as well as smaller ones, there are many unused spaces that could be transformed into creative hubs. Why not combine the passion for coffee with the need for flexible workspaces? This is where the idea of a co-working café comes in—a place where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small teams can work, socialize, and attend educational events.
How to Open a Co-Working Café: A Business for a Free and Prosperous Romania

Why a Co-Working Café?

A co-working café is not just a place to drink coffee; it is a space where people can meet, work in peace, and network. Here are some advantages of this concept:

  • Lower costs for clients: Instead of paying for an expensive office, people can work from a comfortable café.
  • Active community: Events, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Flexibility: Pay only for the time you stay, with no rigid subscriptions.
  • Diverse revenue streams: Besides selling coffee, you can offer memberships, paid events, and business partnerships.

Mini Business Plan

1. Concept and Offer

  • A modern space with fast internet, plenty of outlets, and comfortable seating.
  • Specialty coffee and healthy food products.
  • Meeting rooms available upon request.
  • Themed events (workshops, networking sessions, presentations).

2. Location and Costs

  • The possibility of renting an affordable space or using an unused one.
  • Unused city spaces can be repurposed through partnerships with the municipality or private owners.
  • The potential for franchising to expand into multiple cities.

3. Initial Investment

  • Furnishing and decor: €20,000 – €50,000
  • Equipment (espresso machines, rental laptops): €10,000 – €30,000
  • Rent and utilities for six months: €15,000 – €30,000
  • Marketing and promotion: €5,000 – €10,000
  • Estimated total: €50,000 – €120,000

4. Revenue Sources

  • Selling coffee and food products.
  • Fees for workspace use (hourly, daily, monthly subscriptions).
  • Renting rooms for events.
  • Brand partnerships and sponsorships.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: 

✅ Creates jobs and a community for entrepreneurs. 

✅ Can work in smaller cities where such spaces are rare. 

✅ Multiple revenue streams beyond just coffee sales. 

✅ Can expand into a national franchise.

Disadvantages: 

❌ High initial investment. 

❌ Requires marketing and building an active community. 

❌ Competition with traditional cafés and existing co-working spaces.

Impact on Society

This business helps Romania become a freer and more prosperous place. It offers opportunities for young entrepreneurs, creates jobs, and transforms unused spaces into vibrant locations. In a Romania V3, everyone can succeed through their ideas and hard work. This type of business is not just about coffee; it’s about creating an ecosystem where people support each other and grow together.