ABOUT THE FORUM
Founders Forum is a conversation series from Decatur Makers connecting makers, creators, and aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced founders and business leaders.
Each Forum explores a different part of the entrepreneurial journey through real-world stories, practical insights, and plenty of audience conversation.
Whether you're wondering if an idea has potential, already building something, or simply curious about entrepreneurship, Founders Forum is a place to learn from people who have been there, ask questions, and connect with others figuring it out too.
From Our First Founders Forum
Hobby or Business?
Is My Idea Worth Pursuing
Featuring Scott Grimes
Founder & Former CEO, Cardlytics
We kicked off Founders Forum in August 2026 with entrepreneur, investor, engineer, and lifelong maker Scott Grimes for a conversation about one of the biggest questions makers face: When is something a great hobby, and when might it have the potential to become a business?
Scott shared lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and challenged attendees to think about customers, opportunity, growth, and what they actually want from the things they create.
WANT TO GO BEYOND THE CONVERSATION
Makerpreneur Lab
is coming
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
In this session, you'll explore:
Founders Forum is where we start the conversation. Makerpreneur Lab is being developed as a place to do the work.
We're developing a hands-on, multi-week program for makers, creators, inventors, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore turning something they make or create into a viable business.
We're still shaping the program, and we want our maker community to help us build it.
BRING YOUR IDEA
BUILD THE BUSINESS
MAKE REAL PROGRESS
Work with something you're actually creating or developing.
Explore customers, pricing, production, sales, marketing, operations, and growth.
Get feedback, accountability, expert guidance, and a community working alongside you.
WHAT'S NEXT?
