That headline refers to the impressive growth of Catapult, Lakeland’s primary business incubator, which recently announced that its member startups generated $27 million in total revenue during 2025.
As of March 2026, Catapult continues to be a central engine for the local economy. Here is a breakdown of the impact reported by the organization:
Key Performance Metrics (2025)
- Revenue: Over $27 million generated by member businesses.
- Job Creation: The startups collectively employed 303 people last year.
- Scale: The incubator served 280 businesses, ranging from tech startups to culinary ventures.
- Success Story: One notable alum, Screen Skinz, recently returned to Lakeland for its headquarters after raising a $1.5 million seed round.
What Makes It Work?
Located in downtown Lakeland near Lake Mirror, Catapult isn’t just a co-working space; it’s a “maker” hub. Its 40,000-square-foot facility provides resources that are usually too expensive for solo founders:
- Specialized Labs: A commercial kitchen, woodshop, metal shop, 3D-printing lab, and a textile room.
- Shared Infrastructure: Access to “micro-factory” space for prototyping and small-scale manufacturing.
- Funding Pathways: Programs like “Catapult Launch” provide micro-grants and lending paths for founders who might not yet qualify for traditional bank loans.
The Big Picture
President Christin Strawbridge notes that while many entrepreneurs have the “grit” to build anywhere, the incubator’s goal is to shorten the learning curve and provide a community that prevents the isolation often felt by new founders. This strategy seems to be paying off, as the facility is currently funded about 50% by membership dues and 50% through community partnerships and private donors.