New Public-Private Maker Space Partnership in Central Florida's I-4 Corridor

SAN FRANCISCO and LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TheShop.build announced a multi- year partnership agreement today to establish and operate a high-tech maker space within Catapult's new 38,000 sf facility in Lakeland, Florida. TheShop.build operates successful maker spaces in California that provides innovators and entrepreneurs with subscription-based access to tools, technology, training, and support services which break down barriers to design, prototyping, and fabrication by individuals and startups.  TheShop.build has been nominated for the Small Business of the Year and Innovation Through Technology awards in the prestigious San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards Program for 2018.

Catapult is expanding to help entrepreneurs in Lakeland and Central Florida flourish with a new state-of-the-art facility equipped with 24,000 sf of coworking and private office space, a 5,000 sf commissary kitchen, and a 9,000 sf maker space to be operated by TheShop.build. The new maker space will be equipped with laser cutters, computer-controlled equipment capable of shaping wood, metal, and composite materials, 3D printers in a fully-equipped workshop with access to cutting-edge software design tools.

According to TheShop.build CEO Dan Rasure, "today's agreement demonstrates that public-private partnerships will support & drive economic growth at the community level across our country, and re-ignite the American spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship." Catapult Executive Director Christina Graham adds "Whether it's turning a family recipe into a pop-up restaurant, prototyping a new technology, creating and selling goods, or turning that crazy idea into a sustainable business, Catapult can accommodate every entrepreneur who walks through the doors."

Catapult's new facility is breaking ground this October, after their former location in the Lakeland Cash Feed building was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma and demolished in early 2018. Catapult plans to open the doors of their new expanded location including the maker space in 2019.

About TheShop.build

TheShop.build provides innovators and entrepreneurs with subscription-based access to a unique design and innovation resource platform as a service (DIRaaS). Members have access to high-tech workshop facilities equipped with design, prototyping, and fabrication tools and equipment along with a growing curriculum of basic and advanced training on how to turn ideas into reality. Make it happen at TheShop.build www.TheShop.build

About Catapult

Catapult aims to foster the growth of startups in Central Florida and maintain their success through affordable membership, thoughtful education, and micro-grant funding to drive local business forward.  www.catapultlakeland.com

Media Contacts

Dan Rasure, CEO, TheShop.build  [email protected]
Christina Graham, Executive Director, Catapult  [email protected]
Rick Washburn, PR [email protected] (415) 745-9575

SOURCE TheShop.build

Related Links

https://theshop.build