Lamar Community College and Colorado Small Business Development Center Announce Soft Opening of Innovate and Makerspace

Lamar Community College (LCC), in partnership with the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving East Colorado, is proud to announce the soft opening of the Innovate and Makerspace, a new hub for creativity, innovation, and small business development located on the LCC campus.

A soft launch event will be held on February 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Betz Technology Center. Community members, students, local business leaders, and the general public are invited to attend. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the facility, view live equipment demonstrations, and learn more about how the space can support product development and entrepreneurship.

This strategic partnership combines LCC’s academic resources with the SBDC’s entrepreneurial expertise to foster innovation and small business growth across Southeast Colorado. By uniting advanced fabrication tools with professional business consulting, the Innovate and Makerspace provides students, community members, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources needed to transform ideas into market-ready products.

“We are so excited to be part of the relaunch of the Innovate and Makerspace,” said Courtney Morris, Work-Based Learning Project Director, and Martha Alvarez, SBDC Associate Director. “We hope this space will foster entrepreneurship and collaboration within the community and serve as a hub for creativity.”

The Makerspace booking calendar will open to the public on February 24, 2026, with daily passes available starting at $15 per day. Public access equipment includes:

• 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping: Transform digital designs into physical models in hours
• Laser Cutting & Engraving: Precision fabrication for wood, acrylic, and leather
• Professional Sewing & Textile Lab: Industrial sewing machines for heavy-duty materials and a long-arm quilting machine for large-scale textile and artistic projects

For more information on pricing, availability, and services, please contact:

Martha Alvarez

Associate Director East Colorado SBDC

Phone: 970-351-3635 | Email: martha@eastcoloradosbdc.com

Or visit: lamarcc.edu/about-lcc/innovate.