“An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.” — Reid Hoffman
On #NationalEntreprenuersDay we want to celebrate those who have paved the way for innovative ideas and exciting companies by taking that leap.
Entrepreneurs are passionate risk-takers who make an impact on our economy, and they‘ve made Colorado a top-five state for startup activity and for innovation.
Entrepreneurs know it takes a lot more than an idea to make a business come to life. Brenda Lane is co-founder of MindCraft Makerspace knows just that. Lane has poured herself into her businesses – a digital fabrication lab developed as a collaborative studio space for creative and inventive endeavors for makers of all ages – and entrepreneurialism has become her way life.
“As a maker, I owned my first business in my hometown at the age of 18. My uncle and I teamed up to open Lane’s House of Glass in Pueblo, where I spent eight years teaching stained glass, fusing and slumping,” Lane recalls.
MindCraft Makerspace is the second business devoted to educational endeavors for Lane and her business partner Adriana Santacoloma.
Lane first opened eXL Learning in 2011. She sought the advice of consultants at Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs across the Front Range. She coupled the consulting with the SBDC’s business planning course, Leading Edge.
“I rely on the SBDC to develop myself as a better business owner and operator, and I recommend this organization to anyone thinking of opening their own business,” Lane said.
Opening MindCraft Makerspace was a way for Lane to combine her passion for education and creativity. MindCraft Makerspace offers classes, workshops, equipment rental and memberships to learn about and use all tools, equipment and machinery accessible to the users – no matter the age.
“Our combination of labs, workshops and classrooms make it easy and fun for hands-on, ‘let’s make this’ kind of learning,” Lane said.
Their space is located in the newly restored Stanley Marketplace on the border of Aurora and Stapleton. The Marketplace houses over 50 independent companies under one roof. Just after Thanksgiving on Small Business Saturday, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, as well as representatives from the Denver Metro and Aurora Chambers, will visit the shops at Stanley Marketplace. Do you take part in Small Business Saturday? Tell us how in the comments.
Olivia Rollene is the marketing and program specialist for the Denver Metro SBDC.