QC MAKERSPACE BUSINESS PRESENTATION

The QC Makerspace Business Presentation gives the opportunity to student to show how to start a business in makerspace.

A makerspace is a work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility in which members are making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.  

It can take multiple forms. It can be a for-profit makerspace that is supported by monthly fees from the maker/members who join, or a non-profit makerspace funded by grants or donation.

It is created for everyone: kids, adults, and entrepreneurs. It has a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines.  A makerspace doesn’t have to include all of these machines, it can be specialized in specific field, such as renting tools or space to help kids with special needs.    

Makerspaces are providing support to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  They help individuals to learn, develop critical thinking skills, to boost self-confidence, and to solve problems. They allow often students to be familiar with electronics, 3d printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even woodworking, Makerspaces are also empowering entrepreneurship and are being utilized as incubators and accelerators for business startups, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship.

Hackerspaces can be considered makerspaces. They are considered community-operated workspace where people with common interests, often in computers, technology, science and digital art can meet, socialize and collaborate.

Rafael De Balanzo Joue is a faculty member at the Economics Department at Queens College. In his Urban Economics class, Rafael asks students to provide an idea of a makerspace with a business plan. Students are very creative and acquire entrepreneurial skills. The students give a presentation of their project in the makerspace at the Queens College Library: QC Makerspace | a place for all to tinker, craft, make, design, & learn (cuny.edu)

You can know more about Rafael at: Rafael De Balanzo Joue, PhD Sustainability Science, Architect and Urban Designer | Pratt Institute – Academia.edu