What Lacey MakerSpace does

Lacey MakerSpace (LMS) is a nonprofit community maker space founded in 2019 and located on the campus of Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington. It operates an 8,000-square-foot facility organized into four equipped labs — Woodshop, Industrial Metals, Digital Lab, and Textiles/Classroom — providing members access to professional-grade fabrication tools spanning woodworking, welding, metalworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, textiles, stained glass, and powder coating. The organization serves hobbyists, artists, entrepreneurs, families, regional workforce development participants, and Saint Martin's University students and staff, and operates as a host site for AJAC's advanced manufacturing apprenticeship programs.

The core product portfolio includes the four physical labs, a tiered membership program (General Public at $60/month, Student/Tribal/Military at $40/month, free for SMU students/staff, and a family plan), free Basics safety and proficiency certification classes, fee-based Make and Design project workshops, prototyping and fabrication services, one-on-one mentoring, workforce development programs, safety orientation, and free Saturday public tours. Revenue is generated through subscription memberships, one-time class fees, usage-based machine time charges after a $20 monthly credit, donations, volunteer credits, and gift cards. The technology stack is largely physical equipment, supplemented by Eventbrite for ticketing, Discord for member community, and JotForm for project and volunteer intake.

Distribution is community-led and self-serve: members sign up in person during Thursday–Sunday operating hours, classes are booked through Eventbrite, and classes/tours drive trial and conversion to membership. The organization is supported by a founding partnership among Saint Martin's University, the City of Lacey, and the Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation, with additional funding from federal (EDA), foundation (Ben B. Cheney, SPS Community Foundation), state (ArtsWA), tribal (Nisqually Tribe), and local sources (Port of Olympia, Gondola Ventures), plus ten named equipment and material sponsors.

Name

Lacey MakerSpace

Legal name

Lacey MakerSpace

Website

https://laceymakerspace.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lacey MakerSpace is a nonprofit community maker space in Lacey, Washington, providing members access to equipped woodworking, metalworking, digital fabrication, and textiles labs through subscriptions, classes, prototyping services, and workforce development programs in partnership with Saint Martin's University.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Maker Space & Workshop Services

akta.pro primary industry

3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tool & Die Making (EDAOAGAC), Crafts & Maker Arts (Ceramics, Textiles, Jewelry, Mixed Media) (EDAMAAAD)

Keywords

• Community maker space
• Maker education
• Workforce training
• Fabrication services
• Membership workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Lacey

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Monthly and annual subscription memberships providing access to the facility, equipment use (after proficiency certification), free Basics classes, discounts on fee-based classes, and monthly machine time credit. Primary revenue stream supporting day-to-day operations.
2. Class Fees: Fee-based 'Make' and 'Design' classes generate revenue from both members (at a 25% discount) and non-members. Classes range from free Basics safety courses to paid project-based workshops.
3. Machine Time Charges: Usage-based fees on certain machines that have high operating or consumable costs. Members receive a $20 monthly machine time credit; charges beyond that credit are billed monthly.
4. Donations: As a nonprofit organization, Lacey MakerSpace receives monetary donations from individuals and organizations. The Donate page lists individual donor names and amounts, and also accepts in-kind donations of tools, materials, and equipment.
5. Volunteer Credits: Volunteers earn credit toward membership dues and machine time in exchange for their contributions, reducing cash outflow while maintaining community engagement.
6. Gift Cards: LMS gift cards are available for purchase, allowing recipients to use the funds toward memberships, classes, and machine time at the maker space.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Lacey MakerSpace operates an 8,000 sq. ft. community workshop on the Saint Martin's University campus, providing shared access to woodworking, welding, metalworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, and textile equipment through monthly/annual memberships and structured classes (Basics, Make, Design). It also delivers staff-supported prototyping and fabrication services, one-on-one mentoring, and workforce apprenticeship programs in partnership with AJAC.

Product overview

Lacey MakerSpace is a community-focused makerspace operating as a unified platform of physical workshop facilities and educational services. The core offering consists of four equipped workshop spaces—Woodshop, Digital Lab, Industrial Metals Shop, and Textiles/Classroom—providing tools and equipment for woodworking, welding, 3D printing, laser cutting, metalworking, stained glass, sewing, and embroidery. Access to these facilities is enabled through membership packages, while skill development is delivered via structured class offerings (Basics, Make, and Design courses). Supporting services include a mentoring program for one-on-one guidance, prototyping and fabrication services for business/product development, and workforce development programs in partnership with AJAC for apprenticeship training. Additional offerings include gift cards, safety orientation training, and public tours. The portfolio functions as an integrated ecosystem where members use workshop equipment after completing class certifications, access mentoring support, and can progress into workforce development programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lacey MakerSpace Membership Monthly or annual memberships providing access to the 8,000 sq. ft. facility and its fabrication equipment after proficiency certification, free Basics classes, a 25% discount on fee-based Make and Design classes, a 25% discount on LMS merchandise, and a $20 monthly machine time credit. Annual memberships add one free month and one free hour of mentorship.
• Classes (Basics, Make, Design) Hands-on instructional classes ranging from free Basics safety and equipment proficiency courses (welding, woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, router tables, spindle turning, powder coating) to fee-based project-based Make workshops and advanced Design training, available to both members and non-members through Eventbrite.
• Prototyping and Fabrication Services Staff-supported services guiding innovators from rough concept to refined product through prototyping (early-stage design and testing) and fabrication (final/functional versions) using the maker space's advanced equipment, targeted at entrepreneurs and small businesses developing physical products.
• Mentoring Program One-on-one mentoring connecting members with experienced makers who provide support for equipment use, project planning, and technical challenges across various disciplines; annual members receive one complimentary mentorship hour.
• Workforce Development Programs (AJAC Manufacturing Academy) Multi-week apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs delivered on-site at LMS in partnership with AJAC and other regional workforce partners, providing pathways into high-wage trades and advanced manufacturing careers.
• LMS Gift Card Gift cards available for purchase that can be used toward memberships, classes, machine time, and other Lacey MakerSpace services.
• Public Tours Free guided tours of the Lacey MakerSpace facility offered on Saturdays at 10am, allowing prospective members and community members to explore the space and learn about available equipment.
• Safety Orientation Required orientation training for new members covering shop logistics, safety procedures, and facility operations to prepare them for equipment use.

Quantifiable outcome

• Donated thousands of masks and face shields to first responders during COVID-19 pandemic
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and minor.

• Saint Martin's Universityflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Saint Martin's University is one of the three founding partners of Lacey MakerSpace. LMS is physically located on the SMU campus (Zaverl Hall, Building 5, Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA). SMU students and staff receive free LMS memberships as part of the partnership. The collaboration provides LMS with institutional stability, student access, campus facilities, and shared mission alignment around education and workforce development.
• City of Laceyflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019The City of Lacey is one of the three founding partners of Lacey MakerSpace and a key municipal supporter. The city provides funding, legitimacy, and alignment with local economic development goals. The City of Lacey's logo appears prominently alongside SMU and EDC on the founding partners section of the LMS website.
• Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation (CB&I)flagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019CB&I is one of the three founding partners and funds LMS as part of its mission to support business prosperity throughout Washington state. CB&I provides no-cost services and resources for entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers — including LMS members — to help them start and grow businesses. CB&I is committed to regional business development and sees LMS as a key asset in the innovation ecosystem.
• AJAC (Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAJAC is a statewide, industry-driven nonprofit (501(c)(3)) specializing in advanced manufacturing apprenticeships. LMS serves as a dedicated host site for AJAC's Manufacturing Academy programs, which deliver multi-week training courses (pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and adult apprenticeship) at the LMS facility. AJAC participants earn competitive wages and pursue pathways to employment in trades. AJAC is listed as both an Investor/Partner and a collaborator in workforce programs.
• PacMtn Workforce Development CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPacMtn Workforce Development Council collaborates with LMS to support aligned training opportunities and industry-informed program development in the region. As a workforce development organization, PacMtn connects job seekers and training providers, bringing participants into LMS's workforce programs.
• Thurston County ChamberminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Thurston County Chamber collaborates with LMS on industry-informed program development and greater access to hands-on learning. The Chamber serves as a business networking hub, connecting LMS with its member businesses.
• Impact WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImpact Washington partners with LMS to support workforce development initiatives and training opportunities in the region. Impact Washington provides consulting and training services to manufacturers, and the partnership extends LMS's reach into the manufacturing workforce ecosystem.
• Local High Schools and CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLMS collaborates with regional high schools and colleges to provide hands-on learning access for both students and adult learners. These educational partnerships support career and technical education pathways, allowing students to explore trades and making before or during post-secondary education.
• Sensory ToolHouseminorOthersListed as an Investor & Partner on the LMS website. The nature of the partnership (sponsorship, investment, or otherwise) is not further detailed in the source material.
• CSWWminorOthersListed as an Investor & Partner on the LMS website. The nature of the partnership is not further detailed in the source material.
• Elite Welding and DesignminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Elite Welding and Design provides sponsorship support and likely offers expertise, equipment, or discounts related to welding, consistent with LMS's Industrial Metals programming.
• Central Welding SupplyminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Central Welding Supply provides welding-related sponsorship, likely including gas, consumables, or equipment discounts for LMS members.
• Simpson Door CompanyminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Simpson Door Company, a door manufacturer, provides sponsorship that may include materials donations or discounts for LMS woodworking programs.
• Small Planet SupplyminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Small Planet Supply provides sponsorship, likely in the form of materials, tools, or equipment relevant to LMS's making and fabrication activities.
• Superior SawminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Superior Saw provides sawing equipment sponsorship, aligned with LMS's woodworking shop programming.
• EdensawminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Edensaw (a tool and equipment supplier) provides sponsorship that likely includes equipment, accessories, or discounts for LMS members.
• BayViewminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. BayView (likely a tool or materials supplier in the Olympia area) provides sponsorship to LMS.
• Quality Sewing and VacuumminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Quality Sewing and Vacuum provides sponsorship aligned with LMS's Textiles/Classroom programming, likely including sewing equipment, supplies, or discounts for members.
• RocklerminorOthersListed as a Sponsor on the LMS website. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is a national woodworking supply retailer that provides sponsorship, materials, or member discounts aligned with LMS's woodworking programs.
• EventbritecoreTechnology or IntegrationEventbrite is used as the platform for listing and selling tickets to LMS classes and public tours. LMS embeds Eventbrite event listings on its website and uses Eventbrite links for class registration and tour bookings. Eventbrite serves as the booking and payment infrastructure for LMS's class and event revenue.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Emerging players

• BlueStamp Engineering: Project-based maker/engineering education program for high school students combining online instruction with hands-on build sessions. Comparable maker-education angle, though focused on a narrower STEM-student audience rather than a community facility.

Direct peers

• The Steel Yard: Nonprofit industrial arts and education center in Chicago offering welding, metals fabrication, woodworking, and craft training with workforce-development focus. Comparable nonprofit makerspace combining hands-on industrial arts with public classes and apprenticeships.
• HeatSync Labs: Mesa, AZ community hackerspace/makerspace offering shared equipment access, classes, and community programming across electronics, fabrication, and craft disciplines. Comparable community-led nonprofit model with volunteer-driven operations.
• Artisan's Asylum: Large community makerspace in Somerville, MA offering access to woodworking, metals, digital fabrication, textiles, and arts equipment via memberships and classes. Highly comparable nonprofit model serving hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and artists with similar lab-area structure.
• MakeICT: Wichita, KS community makerspace providing access to woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, textiles, and electronics through memberships, classes, and community events. Closely analogous member-funded nonprofit makerspace.
• NextFab: Philadelphia-based makerspace network with memberships, classes, prototyping services, and business incubation — explicitly positioned to help entrepreneurs move from concept to production. Closely mirrors LMS's prototyping + CB&I business support model.

Broad incumbents

• MakerBot (industrial 3D printing ecosystem): Large 3D printing manufacturer that also runs education programs and partners with schools/makerspaces. Overlaps with LMS's Digital Lab and 3D printing training, but operates as a commercial vendor rather than a community facility.

Others

• Impact Washington: Washington-state nonprofit providing consulting and workforce training to manufacturers. Listed as an LMS partner, with overlapping mission in advanced manufacturing skills development; ecosystem participant rather than direct operator of a fabrication facility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lacey-makerspace

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lacey MakerSpace