GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

TRANSFORMING EMPTY BUILDINGS INTO ECONOMIC DRIVERS

The Case of Burlington Generator

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

What Is a Makerspace?

A shared shop with access to unusual tools.1

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

A sandbox for learning, experimentation and collaboration2

What Is a Makerspace?

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

An incubator of ideas, products and new business ventures.3

What Is a Makerspace?

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Movement HighlightsOver 2,000 makerspaces nationwide generating dozens of products like MakerBot which are being seen at places like the OSTP White House makerfaire, all part of a growing culture of DIY invention and entrepreneurship.

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Burlington Generator

A publicly supported makerspace in the heart of the nation’s 100 percent renewables-powered gigabit city.

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator BackgroundFounded March 2014Supported by the City of BurlingtonSustained by strong community, philanthropic investmentKey partners include BCA, UVM, Champlain College

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator BuildoutDesignated downtown transition zone6,000ft/sq light industrial spaceWorkshops include woodworking, metal, jewelryTools include laser cutter, 3D printer, 4-axis mill, CNC router, design workstations

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator People180 members27 volunteers17 studios3 “exchange” partners1 corporate partner

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator Programs

Classes include certifications, jewelry, welding, microelectronics, design

1

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator Programs

Events include pitch competitions, social hours, teacher training workshops, tours

2

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Generator Programs

Activities community builds, sales, equipment maintenance, talks3

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Economic Terms

Workforce development and training* Upskill employees* Lateral mobility* Train new workers

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Economic Terms

Product development and fabrication* Design* Prototype* Production runs

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Economic Terms

Livelihood and income generation* Market entry* Product sales* Contract hire

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

What’s Next

Growth new home, expanded toolsetAccelerator increased business supportImpact data and econometrics

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Longterm Vision

Burlington is a center of excellenceGenerator serves a thriving ecosystem“Made in BTV” is shared, recognized

GENERATOR, INC | 2015 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference

Thank You

Lars Hasselblad TorresBurlington Generator250 Main Street, Memorial Auditorium802-595-0605http://generatorvt.com