The City of Wheat Ridge has secured $200,000 in congressionally directed spending to support the Clear Creek Makerspace (CCM) powered by Localworks. This hub for creativity and entrepreneurship, located in a former parks and forestry building, is gaining attention in the Denver Metro community.
With an additional $160,000 invested by the city to bring the building up to code, along with a $550,000 investment from Localworks, CCM is now the most advanced public workspace in Jefferson County. It offers tools, programming and resources to support makers and small business owners. In its first 10 months, CCM hosted 18,706 visitors, trained 898 makers and offered 430 workshops, with 69% of participants benefiting from public programs available to non-members.
The secured funding will enhance CCM’s facilities and programming. Upgrades to the metal shop will include power enhancements for industrial-grade MIG and TIG welding equipment and the addition of a CNC plasma cutter. The woodworking shop will expand with new tools such as an advanced miter saw and wood lathe, catering to both hobbyists and industry professionals. Improvements will also be made to the Fab Lab’s storage solutions, transforming CCM into an intermediate manufacturing and prototyping facility to better support small business growth.
Half of the federal funds will focus on expanding CCM’s programming and staff, including hiring an assistant manager to diversify workshops and provide support for members. The Growing U initiative will also expand, aiming to help hobbyists turn their projects into viable businesses through workshops, micro-grants and personalized guidance.
“Securing this funding ensures that Clear Creek Makerspace, managed by Localworks, will continue to thrive as an incubator for small business creation and an engine of economic development,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker. “With the upgrades and expanded programming, we hope CCM will become a leading-edge makerspace in the Denver Metro area, offering opportunities for education, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.”
