Makerspace at 16 State Street Receives $25,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant

We have received a $25,000 Operational Support Grant through The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program, presented in partnership with Main Street America.

The funding will support the continued growth of the Makerspace at 16 State Street, a flexible downtown space designed to help artists, makers and creative professionals build visibility, generate income and explore new opportunities without the overhead of operating a permanent storefront.

Located in downtown Ellsworth, the Makerspace combines exhibition and gallery space, pop-up retail, workshops, classes and event rentals within one accessible location. Since opening, it has created new ways for creative professionals to share their work while giving the community more opportunities to learn, gather and experience local art.

With this grant, Heart of Ellsworth will strengthen two areas of the Makerspace’s work: revenue-generating community workshops and entrepreneurial education created specifically for creative professionals.

• Additional workshops will provide more paid teaching opportunities for local makers while bringing community members into the space to learn new skills and connect with the people behind the work. Expanding the workshop schedule will also help create more consistent activity at 16 State Street and introduce new audiences to the Makerspace throughout the year.

• The grant will also support the development of Business of Craft, an annual six-week educational program for artists and makers who want to strengthen the business behind their creative work. The program will provide approachable, practical guidance for creative professionals who may not have a formal business background, helping them better understand the tools needed to build sustainable income from their skills. The Business of Craft curriculum will also be designed so it can eventually serve as a resource for other arts-focused Main Street programs and community organizations working to support creative entrepreneurs.

Our organization was one of three established small business accelerator sites nationwide selected to receive operational support through the 2026 grant cycle. The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program is a $2 million, multiyear initiative supporting the launch, growth and operation of entrepreneurial spaces in Main Street communities across the country.

This investment represents more than support for a physical space. It is an investment in the artists, makers and entrepreneurs whose creativity contributes to the identity, energy and economic vitality of downtown Ellsworth.

We are grateful to The Hartford and Main Street America for recognizing the potential of the Makerspace and helping us continue building a place where creative ideas can become meaningful opportunities.

Learn more about the Makerspace at 16 State Street and upcoming opportunities at www.makerspaceat16state.org.