Sphere Innovation Lab

Anyone identifying as women, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming folx are welcome to apply to be a member.

At The Sphere Innovation Lab, we extend a warm welcome to individuals and small teams across various industries. Whether you are immersed in professional endeavors, academic pursuits, or creative ventures, we encourage you to reach out and explore if The Sphere Innovation Lab aligns with your needs. Our inclusive community boasts a diverse membership, comprising small startup teams, solopreneurs, nonprofit staff, remote professionals, creatives, and beyond. You’re all welcome here.

Unfortunately, memberships cannot be shared among multiple individuals.

If you are looking for a group rate for your staff,  we can discuss those options. Send us an email for more information.

The Sphere Innovation Lab offers financial assistance or scholarships to help make membership and program participation more accessible to individuals who may face financial challenges. The specific qualifiers for these scholarships include the following criteria:

1. Income Level: Applicants must provide proof of household income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or other income documentation. The Sphere Innovation Lab compares this income to federal poverty guidelines and the Annual Median Income for Northampton to determine eligibility.
2. Household Size: The number of people in the household is typically considered, as it affects the income thresholds for eligibility. Larger households may have higher income limits.
3. Special Circumstances: The Sphere Northampton may consider special financial situations that aren’t fully reflected in standard income documentation, such as recent job loss, medical expenses, or other financial hardships.
4. Application Process: Applicants need to complete an application form, including a personal statement explaining their need for assistance.
5. Reevaluation: Financial assistance is often reviewed annually, meaning members may need to reapply or provide updated financial information.
6. Confidentiality: The Sphere Innovation Lab will handle these applications with a high degree of confidentiality to protect the privacy of applicants.

To apply for a scholarship to apply towards a membership, please send us an email.

Yes! You don’t have to be a member to rent out our beautiful space for private events, both in the evenings or on the weekends – but not during a weekday.

Costs for rentals are $150 for non-profits, $200 during the week (6-9 pm), and $300 during the weekend (not later than 9 pm, for 4 hours total). There is also a $50 cleaning fee for all rentals. 

Sorry, we don’t allow 21-year-old birthday parties, keg parties, or other loud shenanigans (hey-we have neighbors). 

Email lab@spherenorthampton.com for more details or to rent.

We charge a one-time start up fee of $50 for all monthly memberships.  This fee covers the costs associated with processing a membership application. This includes the time and resources required to review the application, verify information, enter data into our system, and pay for the initial setup costs associated with onboarding.

There is a parking lot behind the coworking space that you can access from Meadow Street (closer to the Florence Civic and Business Association). Other options include the street parking (non-metered!) on Maple Street (watch for limit signs). There is also street parking within a short walk on Center Street, Pine Street, and Park Street.

Yes! A day pass means all-day (same day) access to the lab, allowing you to come and go for lunch breaks, meetings, etc.

Yes you will be able to choose one of our 28 workspaces when reserving a time of use. 

At this time we do not allow pets or kids to accompany members in the coworking space. 

Anyone over the age of 18 is allowed to apply for membership. 

Yes you may bring in outside food and utilize the on-site fridge and microwave.

We do please ask that you are curtious of your coworking neighbors. 

Absolutely! However, we do require all media to be enjoyed through headphones and not played through your computer speakers or bluetooth speakers directly. 

Smoking, vaping, alchohol use or recreational drug use is not permitted inside the facility during coworking rental hours. 

At this time, guests of members are not allowed at the Lab. Any guest of a member may purchase a day pass to be in the workspace at the same time.

When you enter the Lab, you’ll be given a red and green indicator. You’ll leave it on green if you are open to collaboration or a conversation, and on red if you need to concentrate. This will also help you gauge what others in the space need at the time you want to make a call. See some red? You can reserve the phone booth, pop outside to our outdoor seating, or head to the basement for more privacy. We also plan on applying for another round of grant funding in 2025 for private offices in the basement. As members of our initial Sphere Innovation Lab community, we appreciate all feedback as we work to best meet the needs of all of our members.