Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has unveiled INC Connect, a dedicated makerspace for manufacturing entrepreneurs. This program, developed by the INCubator, aims to address the needs of early-stage businesses by providing essential resources, mentorship, and collaborative spaces for product development. Entrepreneurs can access shared facilities for light assembly, packing, and shipping, and participate in workshops to enhance their business skills. As applications open, this initiative promises to foster innovation and support the local small business ecosystem.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has launched a new makerspace named INC Connect, designed to support early-stage manufacturing entrepreneurs. The program, initiated by the INCubator, aims to bridge a significant gap for those developing physical products, providing essential resources beyond high-speed internet access, which Chattanooga is famous for as the “Gig City.”
With the growing need for dedicated spaces for product development, INC Connect offers entrepreneurs a shared environment for light assembly, packing and shipping facilities, and individual cubicles. These resources are critical for small businesses that focus on creating and refining tangible goods.
The INCubator has partnered with Proof Incubator to enhance the program, which seeks funding to provide necessary equipment free of charge to participating businesses. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from scheduled office hours where they can receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.
INC Connect will incorporate prototyping services provided by Protoproof, which offers affordable options for clients to test and improve their products. This initiative is aimed at companies that do not require extensive infrastructure like industrial kitchens or floor drains and is especially suitable for product-based and light manufacturing startups.
Entrepreneurs in Chattanooga will find the program accommodating and well-timed, as it is now accepting applications from those in the early stages of business development, particularly from individuals in the ideation phase. The city’s strategic location, within a few hours of key markets including Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Knoxville, makes it an attractive place for new businesses.
In addition to physical resources, INC Connect will create a collaborative ecosystem through co-working and training spaces. It will encourage peer accountability and foster a community of makers and innovators. This community-building approach aims to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs during different phases of their business development.
Clients participating in INC Connect will also have the opportunity to partake in monthly workshops focused on core business skills, such as compliance, branding, funding, and go-to-market strategies. As their businesses evolve, they may even graduate to private units within the INCubator, providing a pathway for growth.
Located within a 127,000 square foot mixed-use facility in the Hamilton County Business Development Center, INC Connect is positioned to become a pivotal part of Chattanooga’s thriving small business ecosystem which promotes a collaborative spirit, offers affordable real estate, and fosters a welcoming community culture.
Background of INC Connect
Chattanooga has made headlines for its robust small business support system, enhancing the environment for new entrepreneurs. Recognizing that successful manufacturing ventures require more than just technological advances, the INCubator has emphasized the importance of having accessible physical spaces to stimulate creativity and innovation in product development.
As the city continues to support its entrepreneurial landscape, the launch of INC Connect represents an essential step in accommodating the needs of emerging manufacturers. This program aligns with the broader goals of enhancing the economic vitality of Chattanooga while empowering local innovators.
FAQs
What is INC Connect?
INC Connect is a makerspace launched in Chattanooga, Tennessee, aimed at supporting early-stage manufacturing entrepreneurs with necessary physical resources and mentorship.
Who can apply to INC Connect?
INC Connect is currently accepting applications from early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly those in the ideation phase of their business development.
What resources does INC Connect provide?
The program offers shared spaces for light assembly, packing and shipping stations, cubicles, prototyping services, training, and mentorship opportunities.
How does INC Connect support entrepreneurs?
By providing affordable space, accountability, expert guidance, and a community of peers, INC Connect helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of turning ideas into market-ready products.
Key Features of INC Connect
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Makerspace | A dedicated area for product development and light manufacturing. |
| Shared Resources | Access to shared spaces for assembly, packing, and shipping. |
| Mentorship | Guidance from experienced professionals available during scheduled office hours. |
| Prototyping Services | Affordable options to test and refine products provided by Protoproof. |
| Workshops | Monthly community-building sessions and core business development workshops. |
| Community | A collaborative environment fostering innovation and peer accountability. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Faces Potential Library Funding Cuts
Chattanooga Celebrates Creativity at the Annual Fiber Arts Bash
Additional Resources
- Hypepotamus: INC Connect Makerspace in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Pulse: INCUBATOR LAUNCHES INC CONNECT
- Nooga Today: 8th Annual Zine Fest
- News Channel 9: 4th Floor Makerspace
- Wikipedia: Makerspace
- Google Search: Makerspace
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
