Dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, 712 Innovations, plans to open Topeka's first coworking space, and makerspace - as well as the first attempt to combine the two that can be found on a national level.

Coworking spaces lower barriers to entry, and make the leap into self employment more palatable for entrepreneurs; offering low cost space, and an environment that's more productive and professional than a neighborhood coffee shop.

Makerspaces work to enable creative and engineering minded individuals by providing tools out of the average "garage tinkerer" price range. 712 Innovations plans to open with everything from a CO2 Laser Cutter and 3D Printer, to a computer aided milling machine that can rapidly fabricate hard-to-build parts.

Organizers plan to open in early 2015 at 712 Kansas Avenue. 712 has partnered with the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library and Washburn Small Business Development Center to offer training and educational programming.

If you're interested in learning more about 712 Innovations, please contact Glenda Washington at 785-231-6000.

Daily, in Shawnee County, our local government, businesses, non-profits and individuals take tremendous steps to improve our quality of life, be a steward of the environment, and increase the ability to sustain a successful community for future generations.

Shawnee County Community Resources Council's Awards of Excellence honors an individual, non-profit, government agency and business that is or has made a difference to the quality of life in Shawnee County. This work may include societal or civic issues, health or environmental concerns, arts and humanities, philanthropic activities, employee programs or community service.  These awards present an opportunity to recognize those in our community making Shawnee County a great place to call home.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Ramada Convention Center
420 SE 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 

For more information about the Learning Summit and Awards of Excellence, click here.