The Clear Creek Makerspace grand opening is this weekend, which for local makers is SUPER exciting. Not only do they get a place to work on their craft, they also have access to coaches like me who can help them turn their passion into businesses. So for you non makers out there — why would you want to support the makerspace, potentially even providing some funding for grants?

Maker businesses can have significant positive impacts on the local economy in several ways:

1. Job Creation: Maker businesses often start small but have the potential to grow rapidly. As they expand, they create job opportunities within the community, including positions such as production workers, designers, marketers, and administrative staff.

2. Supply Chain Support: Maker businesses frequently source materials and services locally, thereby supporting other businesses in the area. This can include purchasing raw materials, utilizing local manufacturers for parts or components, and collaborating with nearby service providers like printing shops or logistics companies.

3. Economic Diversity: By adding diversity to the local economy, maker businesses help reduce reliance on specific industries or employers. This resilience can buffer against economic downturns and provide stability for the community.

4. Tourism and Cultural Appeal: Maker businesses often contribute to the unique character and cultural identity of a place. This can attract tourists interested in local craftsmanship and artisanal products, thereby boosting tourism revenue and supporting other local businesses like restaurants, accommodations, and retail stores.

5. Community Engagement: Maker businesses often engage with the local community through events, workshops, and collaborations. These activities foster a sense of community pride and connection, encouraging residents to support local businesses and contribute to the overall vitality of the area.

6. Innovation and Creativity: Maker businesses are often at the forefront of innovation and creativity in their respective fields. By pushing boundaries and introducing new ideas, products, and processes, they contribute to the overall innovation ecosystem of the region, potentially attracting investment and talent.

Overall, maker businesses play a vital role in stimulating economic growth, fostering community cohesion, and enhancing the overall quality of life in a locality.

Happy Makers mean happy communities

And for those of you nervous about exploring taking your making to the next level, consider the benefits of entrepreneurship:

1. Pursuing Passion: Professional making allows individuals to turn their passion for creating things into a fulfilling career. It provides an avenue for self-expression and creativity while doing what one loves.

2. Flexibility and Independence: As a professional maker, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work environment. You can choose the projects you want to work on, the materials you want to use, and the clients you want to collaborate with, providing a high level of independence.

3. Creative Expression: Making professionally enables individuals to explore their creativity to the fullest extent. Whether it's through woodworking, ceramics, textile arts, or any other medium, makers have the freedom to experiment, innovate, and develop their unique artistic voice.

4. Personal Fulfillment: There is immense satisfaction in seeing one's creations come to life and having them appreciated by others. The sense of accomplishment that comes from turning raw materials into finished products can be deeply rewarding on a personal level.

5. Lifelong Learning: Making is a continual learning process. As a professional maker, you are constantly honing your craft, acquiring new skills, and exploring different techniques and mediums. This continuous learning journey keeps the work exciting and allows for personal and professional growth.

6. Contribution to Society: Makers play an important role in society by creating functional objects, art pieces, and designs that enrich people's lives. Whether it's through sustainable practices, innovative solutions, or cultural preservation, professional makers contribute to the betterment of communities and society as a whole.

Overall, becoming a professional maker can be a deeply fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression. It offers a unique blend of artistic freedom, entrepreneurial opportunities, and personal satisfaction that can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful livelihood.

Whether you are a maker or not, the Clear Creek Makerspace is leading the way to help Wheatridge and the greater Denver area become a thriving community and economy.