A digital library, a tech space, a community lab–Do Space serves as many things to the Omaha community. Since its opening last November, it has had over 70,000 visits and continues to develop new programs that serve the growing tech and entrepreneurial communities of the Omaha area.
A one of a kind project, the space is one of the first places in the nation that a community can have free access to gigabit internet, Mac computers, the Adobe creative suite, 3D printers and much more. Do Space is run by a Community Information Trust and is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization formed by Heritage Services and launched with private donations.
We recently sat down with Rebecca Stavick, the executive director of Do Space and Sabastian Hunt, founder of Year of the Startup, to see how entrepreneurs in the Omaha community are using the space.
“We have a bunch of entrepreneurs here,” said Stavick. “I see many of them just utilizing the space and our gigabit internet with their own laptop. But I also see them utilize some of the software we offer like AutoCAD, Adobe creative suite, Solidworks and other high-end 3D modeling software.”
Since its opening, Hunt said that many members from Year of the Startup have utilized the space daily.
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“There’s at least one of us here every day,” said Hunt. “A lot of the guys like to use it for the different programs they offer, like their beginners courses in video editing or graphic design.”
Hunt explained that he loves the space because of it’s location. Being at the heart of the city, Do Space gives him and other entrepreneurs the opportunity to run into people unexpectedly.
“Every time I’m here I run into someone that I haven’t seen in a while,” said Hunt. “Bumping into people and getting to interact with them unexpectedly is when a lot interesting things happen.”
Stavick said that entrepreneurs are also utilizing Do Space’s crash courses in laser cutting and 3D design.
“Our 3D lab has also been a really strong prototyping space,” said Stavick. “We’ve seen some folks utilize the laser cutter to create the prototypes of products that they are later going to sell on Etsy or on their own website.”
“The ability to be exposed to this technology at entry level is huge,” said Hunt. “Making it accessible to everybody is also more of what entrepreneurship is becoming about. It’s becoming less exclusive and the costs of starting a business are becoming lower thanks to programs like Do Space.”
Coming this summer
Looking to the summer, programs and opportunities for entrepreneurs are only going to increase in the coming months at Do Space.
“We’re calling it the summer of invention,” said Stavick. “We’re really trying to encourage users to invent in this space.”
Do Space is also going to be offering a series for entrepreneurs, including a workshop soon that will be reviewing the patent process. Stavick explained that it will cover how to begin to get a design patent and that it will be taught by a patent attorney.
Stavick also said that she is excited for Do Space to be partnering with Metropolitan Community College, which is located in the upper level of the building.
“They have an entire entrepreneurial department,” said Stavick. “In the coming months they are going to be continuing to add courses and we’re excited to be partnering with them on some bigger initiatives. You’re definitely going to see more entrepreneurial stuff this summer.”
