Chattanooga gains a new makerspace designed to boost local early-stage manufacturing businesses
Chattanooga’s INCubator launches INC Connect, a makerspace designed to support early-stage manufacturing startups with workspace, mentorship, and prototyping services—positioning Gig City as a hub for product innovation in the Southeast.
Chattanooga, Tennessee has earned the nickname “Gig City” because it was the first city in the country to offer gig-speed internet to homes and businesses alike.
But small businesses, particularly ones with physical goods and products, don’t just need fast WiFi. They need a dedicated physical space to work through ideas and bring their concepts to life. Such places can be difficult to find, particularly for early-stage entrepreneurs, says Marcherie Savage, who serves as the Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the INCubator in Chattanooga. The reality is that those looking to build an upstart manufacturing business need access to space, mentorship to work through the product development process “without burning cash or time on preventable mistakes,” she told Hypepotamus.
That’s why the INCubator just announced it is launching INC Connect, a makerspace supporting early-stage manufacturing businesses. The space will help to serve a critical gap for many early-stage product entrepreneurs.
The place is partnering with Proof Incubator in Chattanooga and is actively seeking funding to provide equipment access free of charge for participating businesses.
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What can people expect inside INC Connect?
Entrepreneurs can find a shared space for light assembly and product development, a packing and shipping station and a dedicated cubicle. INC Connect will also provide schedule office hours for guidance and mentorship. “Additionally, clients will benefit from our on-campus prototyping partner, Protoproof, founded by two INCubator tenants—Chantz and Cameron. They offer affordable prototyping services, including one-offs, for early-stage businesses needing to test or refine products before scaling. While their services aren’t limited to INC Connect clients, their presence is a huge asset to the space,” Savage added. “INC Connect is designed to directly respond to those challenges by offering affordable space, accountability, and experienced guidance right from day one.”
Savage said that the City of Chattanooga is “uniquely positioned” to grow successfully product and manufacturing startups.
“We’re located within a few hours of major markets like Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Knoxville—which means founders can access customers, suppliers, and distribution channels quickly. Beyond location, Chattanooga’s robust small business ecosystem, collaborative spirit, affordable real estate, and unmatched Southern hospitality make it not only a strategic place to build—but also a welcoming place to belong,” she told Hypepotamus.
