Entrepreneurs #MadeatCCPL
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Our Innovation Centers are creative, collaborative and educational spaces that provide access to advanced software, emerging technologies and production equipment. There is no charge to use the equipment in the Innovation Centers, however users are responsible for the costs of consumable materials (e.g., 3D printing filament, vinyl material). Limited supplies of consumable materials are available for purchase. The library encourages innovators to bring their own pre-approved materials for their projects.
Challenge/Opportunity
Being a successful entrepreneur requires more than a great idea. Learning how to leverage that idea, and maximize time, money, relationships, and resources impacts future business growth and success.
To ensure Cuyahoga County entrepreneurs have access to the most critical resources, spaces, technology and services, Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) offers eight Innovation Centers throughout its system. All spaces are supported by specially trained library staff and empower entrepreneurs in unique and inspiring ways.
Before customers can use Innovation Centers, they must complete a required orientation class to become acquainted with procedures, equipment and software. After completing an orientation class, customers are welcome to drop in during open hours.
Key Elements of Innovation
System-wide orientation sessions and highly trained staff members available for drop-in hours and scheduled equipment demonstrations help make the centers busy year-round. After completing orientation, anyone is welcome to use sophisticated design and production tools to help establish and grow their business. The newest centers offer the widest range of technology:
• 3D Printing
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Cricut Maker 3
• Direct to Garment Printing
• Embroidery Machine
• Heat Press
• Inkjet Printer
• Laser Engraver / Cutter
• Mug Press
• Sublimation Printer
• Waterjet Cutter
• Vacuum Former
• Vinyl Printer / Cutter
• MacBook Pro Laptop
• Windows PC Laptop
Entrepreneurs also have access to four Audio/Video Recording Studios, the Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel Memory Lab and the William N. Skirball Writers Center, a welcoming space for writers of all ages and levels of experience. In 2024, combined user sessions/attendees for these services and spaces totaled 12,066.
Achieved Outcomes
Smokin’ Betties BBQ Sauces Owner David Ball blogged about work in the Mayfield Branch Innovation Center. “We’ve used a sublimation printer (to make potholders and tea towels that we use in our demos), a large-size color printer (to make banners and large signs), a Cricut machine (to make custom labels for sample-sized spice jars) and a 3-D printer (to make a special bottle holder for when we were producing products in a test kitchen.”
Members of the African American Quilt and Doll Guild told us they regularly use the Warrensville Heights Branch Innovation Center’s long-arm quilting machine to make finishing work—sold and donated—much faster and easier.
Cokovenda Janna Collection Owner Kori Amber Brightharp creates elegant formal and prom dresses. After outgrowing her initial space, Kori has largely been running her business out of Warrensville Heights Branch Innovation Center. She also found a mentor there who she meets with regularly for important business advice.
