Maker-to-Market Accelerator Coming to Hartford City; People's Marketplace Seeks Building Expansion
From the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission meeting on August 20, 2026
An Indiana Economic Development Corporation-funded entrepreneurial program will use People's Marketplace as a satellite location starting this fall. The Maker-to-Market Accelerator, presented by Sherry Brown, partners People's Marketplace with Madjax, an 80,000-square-foot makerspace in Muncie, along with the Indiana Small Business Development Center and Ball State University's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.
The program offers six educational sessions for up to 20 beginning and growing entrepreneurs, running from fall 2026 through March 2027. Classes will be held at both Madjax in Muncie and People's Marketplace in Hartford City. Madjax membership costs $35 per month and includes 24-hour access to equipment including laser engravers, printers, and wood shop tools.
Economic Development Director Warren Brown called it a significant opportunity: "A lot of my peers would give them a lot of money to try to get something like this in their town."
To accommodate an estimated 15 to 20 additional vendor tables for Accelerator participants, People's Marketplace operator Phil Mitchell requested permission to expand into the back area of the Newberry Building. The commission approved the expansion 4-0, contingent on inspection by commission members Ron Dudelston and Bob Kingery, zoning approval from Sam Dick, and fire marshal approval. All vendor tables would be temporary and freestanding.
The expansion raises practical concerns. Dan Eckstein noted the building lacks restrooms and air conditioning. The back area has limited electricity and no occupancy permit. The building's west side cannot be altered without state release due to a prior mezzanine issue.
The Accelerator runs through March 2027, but the People's Marketplace lease expires December 15, 2026. Mitchell indicated People's Marketplace plans to present a proposal for next year's operations. Brown noted that Madjax has discussed contingency options for vendors if the Hartford City space becomes unavailable after December.
Source: YouTube transcript — Hartford City - Redevelopment Commission Meeting - August 20, 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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