DUBUQUE, Iowa— Two individuals have been awarded memberships to the Key City Creative Center to develop their skills and training, thanks to a partnership between the Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, Dupaco Community Credit Union and the Dubuque makerspace.
Samantha Schultz of Dubuque and Matthew Kane of Dyersville, were selected among applicants to receive the non-renewable, annual memberships.
Key City Creative Center is a makerspace that provides its members with a low-cost and spacious environment to build and collaborate on projects and ideas. The center offers equipment and classes on woodworking, welding, metal working, 3-D printing, pottery and sewing. Membership, which provides 24/7 access and use of equipment at the center, allows individuals to develop skills that might not otherwise be available.
Dupaco partnered with Key City Creative Center to provide another opportunity for individual empowerment. The winners will have a space to create and develop products and establish partnerships with other local creators, which could lead to small business opportunities. Dupaco’s 2018 award recipient did just that and used her membership to start and grow her art business.
As a credit union benefit, all Dupaco members receive a 20% discount off monthly and annual Key City Creative Center membership costs.
“This partnership presents a great opportunity to provide invaluable resources to those who are thinking about starting a business or doing freelance work,” said Dupaco President and CEO Joe Hearn. “As a financial cooperative, Dupaco gives members the tools and resources to move them toward reaching their goals—no matter where life takes them.”
Applicants completed a questionnaire, which was available throughout October. Judging was based on the applicants’ need and desire to improve their skills and their goal and plan for skill sustainability.
At right, Key City Creative Center owner Tim Hitzler gives Matthew Kane, of Dyersville, Iowa and Samantha Schultz, of Dubuque, Iowa, a tour of the Dubuque space.