Catapult Lakeland — Local services in Lakeland

So let me start off by saying I really don't want to write this review, I am an entrepreneur and I think these things are a great idea. But my experience with catapult so far has been Being ignored Being misinterpreted(I'll expand on this later) Being hung up on for asking what it's like to work for catapult(it was just an intern but still, guarantee he still works there) Being dismissed without much validity(I didn't have my team together they said, well isn't that the point of this entire community?)

Let me go into further detail. I submitted a proposal to catapult in early 2025 and after a very snarky dismissive and seemingly ignorant conversation from the manager of the makerspace I eventually submitted a full business plan as requested(he repeated this about 5 times during the call, business plan this business plan that) I was then dismissed for as I stated "not having my team together", so much for community right? Now I don't use the word ignorant lightly as I learned just today infact that the man I was speaking to, the manager of the makerspace is a finance major. To put that in perspective that is like putting a lawyer in charge of a mechanic shop. (keep on mind I worked as a key figure for the makerspace in both my community college and university and was studying engineering before covid) This man's seemingly dismissive attitude and inability to understand what I was trying to convey makes much more sense now, this man likely has not a clue how to even use a lathe, let alone create a manufactuing business from scratch, his apparent focus. Ignorance is the rule it seems.

Next up I looked into the businesses listed on catapults website and the vast majority are kind of a joke in my opinion, most are restaurants, many are not operating anymore, and many of the others appear to simply be small scale personal project companies, or very generic ideas that I've seen done many times before(keep on mind I have been deeply immersed in the world of tech and start ups for nearly 10 years, iv seen what's our there)I was not impressed, I saw only one or two companies out of something like 60 or 70 that looked even moderately innovative. I also learned that catapult has given its famous grant to only 29 members in 11 years, that's not even half of its members and I guarantee most of those were restaurants from the looks of it.

Next up let's talk about the office rentals, they have shared desk, private desk and private offices I believe. Now keep in mind iv worked with these start up incubators before and after looking into catapult I am now convinced they are simply thinly veiled attempts to sell over priced office space under the guise of "incubating" may as well just use wework or regus, infact regus just opened a location down the street, how funny.

Keep in mind their doing all this well getting government money, this is one of the most complex scams iv ever seen, they sell you on this idea of being part of an innovative community of up and coming entrepreneurs, but in reality they just try sell you office space, poach your talent, take your money and MAYBE help college students do their senior projects all well being subsidized by the government and looking kinda cool. I guarantee you if I look into their finances 70-90% of their money goes to catapult pay checks a common scam tactic for so called "non-profits", its honestly disgusting.

There are real people, like me, who are capable of real innovation, real ideas, real growth, real development. Innovation that America&Lakeland NEEDS, but instead all the attention is drawn to these parasitic facades of a "home for founders" I'm a founder and it's no home for me and it won't be...

Catapult is a bench-marking, professional opportunity for entrepreneurs and new business owners. Located in beautiful, downtown Lakeland, the brand new professional space offers members an abundance of workspace and spectacular views overlooking Lake Mirror. As one of the original members of Catapult, I can attest to the commitment the leadership has to each member. Whether it comes in the form of on-site education, amenities, mentoring, brainstorming, or business services, the staff is dedicated to our success and so welcoming.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit a handful of other incubators, and shared work-space environments, in the U.S. Nothing compares to Catapult. Even though our building and amenities are stunning, it is overshadow by the support and camaraderie we share.

Whether it’s the sound-proof telephone booths; the media room,; the podcast room; maker space, kitchen incubator, meeting rooms ready for teaching, meeting, training; 24-hour member access; or video conferencing; the entire building is designed for co-working, team work, or individual projects. Private offices and desks are available at different membership levels. I personally have a desk and love having a reserved spot. However, I am still with the community at large.

I can’t say enough about how the staff truly makes the difference. I was there in 2014 when we first opened in a windowless basement. The staff made it amazing there. They proved a space, regardless what it looks like, can become an incubator of dreams and possibilities. And they successfully launched businesses from that basement.

Today, in our stunning new building, we prove that same truth but from a different vantage point. Regardless of the beauty and innovation, Catapult would be a hollow investment, void of vision and promise, without the presence of our exceptional leadership, members, and their dreams.

When you combine the staff that are the caliber of Catapult, backed by the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and our private investors and corporations - a synergy of dreams and future promises is born.

Spontaneous relationship - business and personal - is a common theme. We look forward to every new member, every new pop-up, and new educational opportunities. It’s a welcoming, inspiring, one-of-a-kind experience.

I’m grateful and excited to be a part of this community. New members bring more of what makes Catapult so special: opportunity, possibility, inspiration, action,...

Catapult is a small business & entrepreneurial incubator- basically they help entrepreneurs take their dreams/ legitimate business concepts and get them off the ground and into reality.

You can come here with basically any business concept to consult about the practicalities and getting started. There are culinary businesses, engineering, consulting businesses, music or publication businesses, and way more.

They have a kitchen space, a “maker space” and a workspace to have your own office or desk area. Once you’re an official Catapult member you have access to these spaces, as well as the Catapult community and other extremely valuable resources.

What they’re doing at Catapult is super special- there are a number of businesses in Lakeland and around Polk County with actual storefronts of their own now that started out as visions at Catapult. Plus, the people behind this business are all such genuine people with good hearts that really want to...