Catapult opened as the very first coworking + incubator space in Lakeland in 2013. Championed by the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC), the collaborative space in the basement of the Bank of America building is at the center of all things innovation.

The LEDC works to attract + retain businesses in Lakeland, and part of that mission is supporting small businesses (and the entrepreneurs who run them). The LEDC’s goal was to create an inspiring space for creatives, by creatives. With now 119+ members (and 231 alumni) it’s become a cornerstone of innovation in Central Florida. 👏

Catapult is the daily office of bakers, designers, programmers, videographers, artists + writers (👋) alike. The industrial, grassroot-styled space – designed by Robyn Wilson (owners of 801 East Main + Poor Porker) and MarcoBay Construction – was even a finalist for Tampa Bay’s Coolest Space.

Some of these entrepreneurs have graduated to their own spaces, and many continue to create out of this workspace. Either way, they’re part of Lakeland’s growing startup scene. Meet 9 of them.

Ashton Events | image via Instagram

Laura Helm | Ashton Events | wedding coordination | The Collective

Laura Helm moved to Lakeland in 2008 and had her first full time events gig at Cypress Gardens. After coordinating a few weddings in town, she launched Ashton Events in 2010.

Fun Fact: In 2017, Ashton events hosted over 90 events at Haus 820. And her collaborative office space The Collective (think: a coworking space for artists), has been constantly full.

Born and Bread Bakehouse | image via Instagram

Jenn Smurr | Born & Bread | bakery | 1113 Florida Ave. S

Returning from an internship with Zak the Baker in Miami, in just three years Smurr has brought her bakery to a production of over 3,000 pastries per weekend. She’s redefining the possibilities of genuine bread and introduced us to the cruffin. 🥐 Pro-tip: Get in line by 7:30 on Saturday (the only day they’re open) to grab the flavor of the week before it sells out.

Fun Fact: Smurr frequently brings in interns, both local and international, representing over five countries.

801 East Main | image via Instagram

Robyn Wilson | The Poor Porker | beignets + coffee cafe | 801 East Main

With humble beginnings as a food cart at the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market, Robyn founded The Poor Porker (think: grassroots-style New Orleans beignets + chicory coffee). Robyn has gone on to create 801 East Main, which is now home to The Poor Porker, The Bar Calexico + Bearcat & Big Six. 🐽

Fun Fact: Robyn is an expert for all the secrets to thrift shopping. 😉

Boondock Studios | image via Instagram

Dan & Stacy Tabb | Boondock Studios | textile studio | 811 N Florida Ave.

After time in the Navy, Dan discovered he had severe nerve damage and doctors encouraged him to do anything to maintain flexibility in his hands. This lead Dan back to the trade his father had taught him as a boy, handmade leather goods.

Boondock Studios makes leather goods, woven fibers, hand-cut stone products, and other accessories. They received a $9,521 grant from Catapult to launch the business and have since opened their own brick + mortar location downtown.

Fun Fact: Dan also works as a cartographer – or mapmaker. 🌍

We are Curio | image via Instagram

Jason & Hillary DeMeo | WE ARE CURIO | innovative studio | home office

Jason and Hilary met at Southeastern University and have called Lakeland home since. After Hillary worked at Southeastern as Director of Leadership Development + Jason at Oasis Church (and taking Harvard Design classes), they launched WE ARE CURIO.

They design innovative solutions to help companies solve complex problems through interactive consulting, and content + product development. They’ve worked with national + local clients, from Southeastern University to Polk State to The Balance Culture.

Fun Fact: They recently published a book, Re-Thinking Innovation. 🙌

A Fine Press | image via Instagram

Matthew Weingard | A Fine Press | luxury stationery | 4204, Suite e, Florida Ave. S

Matt creates collaborative stationery products with custom invitation experiences.

Fun Fact: Lots of accolades. He was recently featured in Hong Kong’s Harpers Bazaar Wedding Issue; he has printed note cards for Conan O’Brien; and he’s been featured at The Knot’s annual gala at the New York Public Library. 🎉

A Cow Named Moo | image via Instagram

Patrick & Sara Mulcahy | A Cow Named Moo 🐮| handcrafted ice cream sandwiches | Catapult

In their early 20’s, Patrick and Sara lived on the island of Nantucket. After they first tasted hand-crafted basil and pine-nut ice cream a stay at Nebo Lodge in Maine, the two decided to bring the savory flavor to Lakeland. Only, in the form of a sandwich cookie. In 2017 the couple received a $10,000 grant from Catapult to purchase commercial equipment.

Fun Fact: They often pop up at different local events, like Concord Market Nights, and their ice cream sandwiches can be found throughout the week at Scout & Tag. 😋

AMR Soccer | image via Instagram

Rudolph Anthony | AMR Soccer | soccer training | Catapult

Introduced to the game of soccer at a young age, Anthony launched AMR Soccer, a program which uses the sport to develop athletes (ages 5 - 15) on and off the field. He came to Lakeland from Ga. after receiving a science in sports management degree from Southeastern University.

Fun Fact: In 10 years, Anthony has assisted over 40 players receiving collegiate soccer scholarships, and one professionally in the German Bundesliga Second Division. ⚽

Rane Made | images via Instagram

Raney Wade | Rane Made | handmade clothing | home office

Raney has been sewing since she was a kid. Before long, she started making her own clothes, embroidered gifts and doing alterations to make a little money. After college, she took the plunge and start her own clothing line which creates products for women, all handmade by Raney Wade. In 2016 Raney received a micro grant of $5,000 from Catapult. 💃

Fun Fact: Raney is a fifth generation Lakelander, or what she’d call “100% Lakeland.”

Now, just when you thought you had every excuse to not make your dream job come true, you have 9 reasons you can. (Well, more like 9,000, since we’ve just brushed the surface and Catapult is on its way to bigger + better things.)

Next, to fill you in on Catapult 2.0. And we can’t wait.

- Kristin