Makerspaces are common spaces that provide affordable access to tools and resources for people — entrepreneurs and beyond — looking to create and collaborate. Depending on makerspace, you will find a variety of different tools, from 3D printers to craft supplies. For startup founders especially, finding the right makerspace that will provide you with the equipment you need that is also within your budget and fits into your busy schedule is crucial.
To get started finding the right makerspace for you, we found the nine best makerspaces for entrepreneurs.
Best Startup Makerspaces
The first step to finding the right makerspace for your startup needs is to establish what exactly your needs are; do you need access to a makerspace with high-tech equipment or simply need a collaborative creative space? Fortunately, there are many great makerspaces across the US that offers a range of services, tools, and resources. Your task is to choose the right one for your entrepreneurial needs!
1. FabLabs
About
An extension of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA), FabLabs is a global community of makerspaces that aim to empower, educate, and serve their local communities by providing affordable access to resources such as equipment, classes, and more. FabLabs are focused primarily on STEM education and technological innovation.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- Engineers and developers
2. i3Detroit
About
Metro Detroit’s largest community-run makerspace, i3Detroit, boasts a range of offerings for members from art and design to tech which is supported by their extensive list of equipment. If you’re looking for educational resources, i3Detroit has that too, including ceramics, sewing, laser cutting, and more.
Best For:
- Designers and product developers
- Startups with a wide range of equipment and service needs
3. Urban Workshop
About
Based in Costa Mesa, California, Urban Workshop boasts the title of the third-largest makerspace in North America. This makerspace offers a wide range of equipment and tools to create, build, and innovate. In addition, Urban Workshop offers classes for youth and adults to learn valuable skills as well as amenities to nourish and support members.
Best For:
- Automotive startups
- Construction and building startups
4. Mt. Elliott Makerspace
About
Based in Detroit, Michigan, as an extension of Wedge Detroit, Mt. Elliott Makerspace is a community space for makers to collaborate and create. Each project is met with intentional support from the community within the makerspace and provides a ‘style guide’ with information to help inform and educate.
Best For:
- Michigan-based startups
- Product developers and designers
5. Artisan’s Asylum
About
Artisan’s Asylum, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, is a makerspace that provides design and fabrication services as well as youth and adult classes. With a range of types of memberships, including day or night, weekend or weekday, family or individual, this makerspace has a flexible enough membership structure to suit most maker’s needs.
Best For:
- Startup founders with families
- Startup founders with unique schedules
6. Genspace
About
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Genspace redefines a makerspace by offering a science-focused space complete with a biology laboratory that is ideal for biotech innovation. For beginners in the industry, Genspace also offers classes to teach valuable skills such as synthetic biology, biohackers, and more.
Best For:
- Biotech entrepreneurs
- STEAM startups
7. The Bodgery
About
The Bodgery is a volunteer-run makerspace in Madison, Wisconsin. With a 14,000 SF space loaded with a variety of different equipment, tools, and collaborative spaces, The Bodgery has a lot to offer business owners and creatives in the Madison area. Plus, this makerspace offers public times for non-members to enjoy their services as well as an affordable membership program.
Best For:
- Wisconsin-based startups
- Entrepreneurs on a strict budget
8. Dallas Makerspace
About
Dallas Makerspace includes both collaborative space raw equipment as well as access to a laboratory. Members have 24/7 access to all equipment and tools as well as a myriad of classes and workshops to learn valuable skills.
Best For:
- Biotech startups
- Startup founders with unusual schedules
9. TXRX Labs Makerspace
About
Based in Houston, Texas, TXRX Labs Makerspace offers creators and entrepreneurs an affordable space to use and rent the equipment they need. This is a membership-only makerspace that prioritizes safety as well as offering a wide range of tools and classes from jewelry making to welding.
Best For:
- Creative entrepreneurs
- Texas-based startups
