A “Makerspace” Sparks Skill Building and Rural Entrepreneurship in Cortez | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Economy

A “Makerspace” Sparks Skill Building and Rural Entrepreneurship in Cortez

  • Local Champion: Fundamental Needs Inc.
  • Date Funded: August 14, 2024
  • Grant Amount: $9,400

Rural residents often lack access to the advanced tools and technology they need to spur local innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The problem has been long running in Cortez, where a dearth of advanced technology has limited opportunities for residents and hampered the local economy. During a pitch competition in May, one student from Cortez’s Southwest Open School proposed a state-of-the-art “makerspace” for local students and community members. Working with staff from Fundamental Needs Inc., the student devised a plan for a new community space with equipment and supplies for 3D printing, laser metal cutting, welding, carpentry, pottery, and machining. Staff with Fundamental Needs Inc. reached out to LOR for support getting the project off the ground. LOR’s funding will help the student and Fundamental Needs Inc. buy two 3D printers, filament, resin tanks and a range of other supplies to start the makerspace. Once completed, the new hub will create new opportunities for Cortez residents and local students to develop skills and pursue rural entrepreneurship.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Economy Solutions
Economy / Libby Welding Equipment Creates Career Pathways for Libby Students and Residents
Local Champion:
Libby K-12 Schools
Date funded:
April 23, 2025
Grant Amount:
$13,900
Economy / Cortez Trainings Support Cortez’s Immigrant Community
Local Champion:
United Way of Southwest Colorado
Date funded:
April 23, 2025
Grant Amount:
$12,185
Economy / Libby Portable Power Improves Access to Local Libby Produce
Local Champion:
Farmers Market at Libby
Date funded:
April 18, 2025
Grant Amount:
$1,538
Economy / Questa Art Transforms Dumpsters into Questa Community Assets
Local Champion:
Questa Creative Council
Date funded:
April 14, 2025
Grant Amount:
$5,000
Economy / Taos 3D Printers and Plasma Cutters Create a Modern Manufacturing Space at Taos High School
Local Champion:
Taos High School
Date funded:
March 26, 2025
Grant Amount:
$30,000
Economy / Taos A Volunteer Timebank Creates a New Economy of Service in Taos
Local Champion:
Taos Initiative for Life Together (TILT)
Date funded:
March 26, 2025
Grant Amount:
$26,225

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.