Shared Spaces

What is a shared space?

Small makers need affordable spaces to start their businesses--like a commissary kitchen, a makerspace, a video and photography studio, or a food production kitchen. We've got them all right here on The Loop.

Over the last few years we've worked with so many fantastic local makers, small-batch producers, and artisans who can't expand their businesses because space and equipment are outside their budget. Shared spaces are a proven way to increase inclusion by creating pathways for those left out of traditional funding processes, often women, minorities, and recent immigrants. A shared space reduces the obstacles to starting or expanding a business by charging reasonable membership fees for shared equipment and joint spaces.

So whether you are a woodworker, a sewer, a photographer, a farmer, or a chef, we have a shared space that will help you build your business. 

If you're a food-based business, check out Como Cooks Sign Up for a step-by-step guide to getting started in our shared kitchen. And if you're a grower interested in processing excess crops, we've created a streamlined, low-cost option for seasonal processing outlined in our Packing House Sign Up.

Not looking to start a businesses? If you're a hobbyist or simply interested in learning a new skill, check out the MACCLab Makerspace or Vidwest Studios for information about memberships.