Makerspaces can greatly contribute to regional revitalization and increased entrepreneurial ecosystem diversity by building innovation clusters and forming inclusive community partnerships utilizing legacy infrastructure and assets. Often overlooked, these once thriving assets and capabilities can effectively redirect talented workforces from disappearing industries, attracting investors and city stakeholders alike. As makerspaces are a relatively new and quickly emerging advent, research demonstrates that they have the unique ability to open the door for underserved innovators by intentionally weaving diversity into their programming.

By reading this playbook, you will encounter ideas for creating your own, unique playbook that speaks directly to your community. Creating your own playbook is key to your entrepreneurship program getting up to speed much more quickly, having higher client graduation rates, better talent retention, and other metrics of success due to your intentional support of local economic development initiatives. Just as importantly, you’ll create a foundation to measure your progress; being able to articulate your community’s success story to attract more investment, partnership opportunities, and innovation.