City of Sacramento looks to invest in those interested in launching new businesses
Hacker Lab announced today that it is conducting a feasibility study for an Entrepreneurship Center and Incubator to be located in Del Paso Heights. The study, funded by the City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development, explores the feasibility of a center that will be designed with the intention of serving the needs of low and moderate-income individuals from underserved communities.
Makerspaces and entrepreneurship centers offer access to tools, classes, and a community, that fosters a safe and learning-driven environment. With access to expensive and advanced tools, and workspace, people can design, model, and create their own products. Currently, there is no such space in the Del Paso Heights community.
“Communities like Del Paso Heights are known for resilience, hustle, fortitude, and creativity. These are the traits of an entrepreneur,” said Gina Lujan, CEO of Hacker Lab. “It’s not a matter of talent — they have the talent and then some. It’s about equal opportunity and access. Spaces like this, offer this and more. They empower, they support, and they incubate innovation with grassroot efforts.”
The feasibility study will be completed by November 30, 2017 and presented to the City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Councilmember Allen Warren, key community partners, and stakeholders. If the study supports moving forward with an entrepreneurship center and makerspace, a team will be assembled who will then begin to develop a business model, funding strategy, and timeline for implementation and execution of launching the space.
On Saturday, October 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hacker Lab in partnership with the City of Sacramento, the Greater Sacramento Urban League and Seed Corporation, will be holding a town hall style meeting in Del Paso Heights to discuss ideas for an entrepreneurship, makerspace and technical skills center with the community. People who live or work in the neighborhood are encouraged to attend meeting to share their thoughts on building a center in Del Paso Heights. Additionally, the feasibility study is compiling survey responses from residents and workers in the district.
“There is a lot of untapped entrepreneurial talent in the district. Part of my economic development strategy is to figure out ways to invest in the people that are interested in starting and expanding businesses,” said City Councilmember Allen Warren. “That is what this effort is all about. “
The public is invited to attend the meeting. Those living or working in Del Paso Heights are encouraged to participate. For information about this meeting, or to complete the survey, visit the website at http://fueltheheights.com/.
About Hacker Lab
Hacker Lab is an innovative coworking and makerspace focused on education, community engagement, making and prototyping. Between their Midtown and Rocklin locations, they offer over 25,000 sq. ft. of space, access to prototyping tools, classes ranging from 3D printing to welding, and a diverse community of makers, artist, and entrepreneurs. Learn more at the Hacker Lab website http://hackerlab.org/.
