Catapult Lakeland
Privately funded nonprofit in downtown Lakeland operating three incubators: Workspace, Kitchen and Makerspace.
Catapult was established in 2014 by the Lakeland Economic Development Council to foster the growth of startups. It operates three incubators under one roof — Workspace (offices, desks and coworking), Kitchen (a commercial kitchen for restaurant, bakery and consumer packaged goods brands) and Makerspace (for manufacturing and engineering companies). It is a privately funded non-profit; half of its operating budget comes from membership dues and half is fundraised.
What they offer
- Incubator memberships with one-on-one mentorship, 24/7 facility access, shared equipment and software perks
- Launch Micro-Grant: Lakeland businesses can pitch for grants of up to $60,000 (a grant, not a loan)
- Expert in Residence mentoring program for members
- Limited Shared Space coworking memberships starting at $220/month
- Events and room rentals
Who it's for
- Founders starting and scaling businesses in Lakeland
- Food, bakery, restaurant and consumer packaged goods brands needing a commercial kitchen
- Manufacturing and engineering startups needing makerspace
- Launch Micro-Grant: Lakeland-based, formed legal entities with sales and proof of concept, under $1,000,000 in prior-year sales, not franchises and not eligible for traditional bank lending
How to engage
Start a membership inquiry through the Get Started link on the website; Launch Micro-Grant applicants submit an application, attend pitch practice and financial review, and if selected pitch to a panel of judges.