Located in the heart of Noble County is a maker space that provides access to technology and equipment not found in most homes and absent even in many well-established businesses. The3 machines featured in The Bridge are available for use by patrons of the Noble County Public Library (NCPL) and are located in the library’s main branch at 813 E Main Street (SR 8) in Albion.

The Bridge, as part of NCPL, is able to provide training and low cost access to:

• 3D printers
• a laser cutter, capable of cutting and engraving wood, leather and acrylic
• a CNC machine that can cut and carve projects made of solid materials
• a machine that can cut to create stencils, cards, stickers, vinyl heat transfers, vinyl lettering, etc.
• a heat press for applying custom images and text to apparel, mugs, and other surfaces
• a high quality, large format color printer than can reproduce imagery on paper, canvas, and more
• a button maker

“We intentionally designed the Bridge to provide our community with a wide variety of technology equipment to explore and learn about as they pursue hobbies and passions that could turn into entrepreneurial businesses,” explains Sandy Petrie, executive director of the NCPL. “We know that many just starting out have a passion, but not necessarily the resources to explore and try new things.”

The library curates, sets up, and maintains the equipment. The staff also manages an inventory of supplies for production using the equipment. NCPL does not, however, “do” projects for people. Rather, people must come into the maker space and do things themselves in order to become proficient in the technologies and use the equipment to the greatest potential.

“We have had members of the community go on to start their own side businesses, such as jewelry making, wood designs, specialized embroidery,” Petrie continues. “Through their use of The Bridge equipment, they have a better idea of what equipment might serve them best, or in some cases, they will continue to use The Bridge equipment as their business grows.”

The inventory of equipment and supplies housed at The Bridge has been continuously upgraded and expanded since the launch of the space a few years ago. NCPL has listened to the feedback from a growing number of users to determine what to add or replace.

Samantha Martinez, founder of Fonts and Knots, says her best sellers are customized cups, but she also creates and sells a variety of accessories including hair clips, tote bags, key chains, and apparel as well. Her products are sold on Shopify and patrons can place custom orders, too.

“I really enjoy the chill atmosphere!” Martinez responds when asked what she likes most about the maker space. “It’s been about a year since I found out about The Bridge. It’s so easy to get to work and stay in my zone there.”

The Bridge offers the opportunity to receive one-one-one instruction by appointment. Appointments can be made online with as little as twenty-four hours notice and up to one month in advance. Slots are available for training on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“I was immediately intrigued by the launch of The Bridge shortly after joining the staff at the Noble County EDC,” says Lori Gagen, Operations Director at Be Noble Inc. “Having this great, low cost resource available played a part in my decision to launch my own side gig, Catchy Creations. The Bridge has enabled me to expand on the types of design and marketing support I can offer to local small businesses and nonprofits.”

Gagen says her husband, Dan, is a fine artist who is also planning to use The Bridge to print the virtual oil paintings he recently began creating in virtual reality (VR) on canvas. The opportunities The Bridge inspires to launch or enhance a business may only be as limited as one’s imagination.

“The amount of different kinds of equipment and the patience of the staff in teaching me how to use it,” is what Allen Shilling, founder of Fallen Timber by Al, says he enjoys most about The Bridge. Shilling is a local artisan who makes charcuterie boards, flight boards, butter boards, and lasered roof slates.

“I have been able to personalize products for customers, which makes things more unique,” Shilling adds.

In a county with more than 600 businesses that employ fewer than 10 people, The Bridge is one of the many local resources that local economic developers are identifying and pulling together in a more intentional way to create – and promote – an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Noble County.

“The fact is Noble County has a lot of great resources available, a lot of knowledge and talent,” continues Gagen. “Be Noble has made it a priority in 2023 to better define and promote the opportunities for small businesses to launch, sustain, and grow here.”

In addition to beginning discussions with NCPL to explore ways to further collaborate in the creation of the ecosystem, Be Noble has been working side by side with Historic Downtown Kendallville to identify and develop a co-working space on Main Street. Similar conversations are also in the early stages in Avilla and Albion. Visits are also ongoing to see and meet multiple, regional co-working spaces and operators.

Anyone interested in engaging or investing in the development of Noble County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is encouraged to contact Be Noble Inc. at (260) 636-3800 or info@noblecountyedc.com. For more information about The Bridge, visit myncpl.us or call (260) 636-7197.

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