While it’s easier than ever to start a business, it’s harder than ever to grow a profitable one – making consistent sales, keeping up with customer and technology trends, managing inventory and cash flow, plus taking care of household bills and other life responsibilities. The Makerhoods mission is to reduce these obstacles by creating an affordable live/work community with services such as hands-on coaching and access to capital and business services. 

The housing in the program is subject to the State of NJ state eligibility rules while the shop space is subject to acceptance into the program as outlined below. It’s important to note that Makerhoods will not operate the businesses in the program, nor does it subsidize the housing or business needs of the owners. See Makerhoods expectations below.

Our Live &Work Program

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Who are Makerhoods Makers ?

Makers are entrepreneurs with a love for artisanal craft and manufacturing products that people want to buy. Our first cohort is focused on the Fashion, food and home décor businesses. Makers create products that people love to wear, eat, drink, use, gift, or decorate with. Makers build businesses that are, at their core, artisanal, maker, creative, or light manufacturing (i.e. things skillfully and lovingly made by hand or produced locally). Makers may have a small resell or service component to their business, but most of the products should be designed and/or produced on-site at Makerhoods.

Some possible business may include but are not limited to:

Food & Beverage Makers

  • Caterers

  • Bakers

  • Meal prep delivery services

  • Virtual restaurants

  • Juices and other beverages

  • Consumer packaged goods

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Undra Celeste NYC

Fashion & Beauty Makers

  • Apparel, jewelry, shoes, handbags, or other accessories

  • Skincare, makeup, haircare, or nailcare maker (may or may not provide services)

  • Tailor/seamstress/sewist

  • Industrial sewer

  • Supply chain vendor for the industry

Fern & Fossil

A man giving a presentation to a group of young people in a cozy room with dark walls, wooden ceiling, and bar area. The group is seated at tables, listening attentively.
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Business Support Services

Makers receive business development guidance utilizing unique Business Bullseye® methods developed at Makerhoods. The program includes the development of an annual operating plan (AOP) where goals and obstacles are identified and a plan to achieve the goal while overcoming the obstacles. A Revenue model leading to a budget and forecast are also development as part of the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) services.

Additional services are available through our partnership with GNEC, a local lending and business service organization in Newark. Each maker is encouraged to apply for a Microbusiness package of business services including:  

  • A $30,000 “DreamMaker” Loan (Not automatic. You are subject to approval). 

  • 12 Months of accounting services for a flat fee of $300

  • 12 Months of marketing services for a flat fee of $300

Housing

Maker business - You design and/or produce the products that you sell.

  • An existing business generating a minimum of $5,000/month in sales or $60,000/year*

  • Able to live on-site at the Makerhoods Residences, 145 Court Street in Newark

  • Able to commit to working full-time on your business**

  • One business per applicant

  • Legally incorporated business with all applicable licensing and permits.

  • Must have business insurance.

  • Business owners must be 21 years or older as of the application due date.

  • Business owner is a legal resident or citizen of the U.S. 

  • Preferred Applicant:

    • Current or former Newark resident

    • Household income at 80% AMI

    • A business owner from traditionally underrepresented demographics

  • Signed acknowledgement of program expectations and limitations

Makers are expected to live on campus as part of the live/work residency requirements. This is an integral part of the program as Makers can earn a living and support the community using their purchasing power. As a benefit of the program, each Maker may apply for an affordable apartment of their choice WITHOUT having to go through the usual lottery process. The exact cost of the apartment depends on size and household and income status. Households at the regional 80% AMI qualify for affordable housing.

Studio/ Shop Space

Each Maker will occupy their own shop space, which includes a workshop space and an office mezzanine overlooking the shop. The shop will typically cost about $1,500 per month in 2025, but Makers are responsible for utility, internet, and Common Area Maintenance fees. 

A waitress presenting food to three women seated at a restaurant table. The women are engaged and looking at the waitress, with two of them having trays of food in front of them. The table is decorated with a small potted plant and empty wine glasses.

Neighborhood Services

  • Coffee shop or café

  • Wellness, yoga, pilates, cross-fit or other fitness

  • Shipping and printing services

  • Professional Services for makers i.e. accounting, Marketing

Makerhoods

A man giving a presentation to a group of young people in a cozy room with dark walls, wooden ceiling, and bar area. The group is seated at tables, listening attentively.
A man giving a presentation or speech to a group of young people sitting in a cozy room with dark walls, wooden floors, a bar area, and large windows.
A man giving a presentation to a group of young people in a cozy room with dark walls, wooden ceiling, and bar area. The group is seated at tables, listening attentively.
Collection of skincare products including body butters, face foam, oil, and serums on a beige surface.

Nyah Beauty

The Live & Work Package

The Makerhoods Live/Work program includes commercial space, an apartment, and business support services starting around $2,800 a month.

Food and Beverage Businesses (6 openings)

  • Dedicated and exclusive use of kitchen space for prep and production

  • 24/7 access to shared commercial kitchen equipment. 

  • Book the demonstration kitchen space for revenue-earning events (classes, dinners, pop-up restaurant, etc.) at a reduced fee.

  • A 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment to meet your household needs.

  • Access to the Makerhoods Market and other selling opportunities 

Fashion and Beauty Businesses and/or Neighborhoods Services (10 openings)

  • A commercial shop for production, retail, events/experiences, and/or office space. The sizes of the commercial shops range from 600 square feet to 900 square feet. Each shop has its own toilet, sink, and mezzanine.

  • A 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment to meet your household needs.

  • Access to the Makerhoods Market and other selling opportunities 

Greenhouse (1 opening)

  • A 3,200 square foot insulated greenhouse for growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, juice bar, and more

  • A 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment to meet your household needs.

  • Access to the Makerhoods Market and other selling opportunities 

EligibilitY

**Revenue exceptions may be made for certain businesses. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@makerhoods.com.

**Or has a plan to meet Live/Work expectations (see below under the Expectations section). We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to apply regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, occupation, income status, or disability.

A group of young people seated at a dark wood table in a cozy room with dark walls and large windows, listening to a man speaking near a bar area with wooden shelves and glassware.
A historic red brick building with turret towers and decorative architectural details; next to a modern white building with large windows, green landscaped steps, and a sidewalk

Q&A

  • Yes. The majority business owner must complete the application and will be considered the main point of contact. Not all business owners are required to live at Makerhoods in Newark, only the majority business owner.

  •  No. If you’re interested in renting office space or co-working in the Krueger-Scott Mansion, please complete this form to receive more information when it is release: https://www.makerhoods.com/kruegerscott-mansion

  • Yes, to work in the commercial kitchen you must live on site and be accepted into the Makerhoods Live/Work program.

  • Please see the full list here: https://www.makerhoods.com/makerhoods-market-terms-and-conditions#products. 

A group of children sitting in a restaurant or cafe, listening to a man who is speaking or giving a presentation near a bar area with bar stools and decorative plants.
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A Welcoming & Inclusive Community

Makerhoods is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity, marital or family status, sexual orientation, occupation, income status, or disability.