Proposal for a Maker Space and Cottage Industry Incubator in Ashland, OR

1. Summary:

a.) Brief overview of the project.

To design, build, and operate a Maker Space and Cottage Industry Incubator in Ashland, Or.

b.) Objectives and goals of the project.

To provide the community of Ashland with the following: a.) a shop space and prototype development facility for local citizens of all ages. b.) a wholesome and safe environment to extend the educational opportunities of our youth in the trades, arts, and sciences; c.) provide access to shop space for anyone who has a project to build, or an technical idea they’d like to develop using tools and materials provided by the Maker Space and; d.) an incubator to act as a economic generator of cottage industries to benefit the local economy.

2. Introduction:

a.) Purpose of the proposal.

To introduce the idea to members of the Co-op and to gain the requisite support to move forward into the planning stages of the project.

b.) Potential benefits to the community if project is approved.

As alluded to above, this could be an adjunct facility for the local school district to give our youth greater access to a wider variety of tools and other equipment in order to gain the technical skills and experience they may need to further their goals in life. The greater community would benefit from the same access to tools, shop space, materials, as well as skilled, professional training.

c.) Overview of how the project aligns with the Co-op's mission.

This project would help “to stimulate and enrich the economic and cultural sectors of the community” by providing a place for the development of cottage industries, as well as by providing a center for furthering the education of citizens in hands on activities that would promote an understanding of math, physics, technology, and the material sciences.

3. Project Description:

a.) Detailed description of the project.

The project would begin with a process of collaboration between interested parties to determine the specific departments the shop would want to incorporate, e.g. - would there be a ceramics studio, a computer programming lab, a forge, a clothing arts center, a kitchen, and so on. Once support for the various arts, trades, and skills centers is established, the design process can begin. After significant development of the overall floor plan and potential structural requirements are determined, searching for a specific location can take place. After securing an agreement on potential real estate procurement, more detailed plans and drawings can be made generating more realistic estimates as to the overall budget of the project. Then the first phase of fundraising and investment can commence if the (then revised) proposal passes by popular vote.

b.) Target audience and Co-op members who will benefit.

Potentially, the entire community of Ashland.

c.) Types of activities and resources offered through the project.

The following resources could be offered:

Shop space for woodworking, metalworking, working with composites, ceramics, CNC machining, 3D modeling and printing, laser cutting and printing, robotics, sewing machines, a kitchen, a computer lab. A prototyping lab could be established for those wanting to spinoff cottage industries to support the local economy. Educational forums could be established for the STEM fields…..and so on.

d.) Benefit to the local community at large.

See above.

4. Objectives and Goals:

a.) Clearly defined short-term and long-term goals.

Short-term goals.

i. Gather interested parties to begin determining support for various aspects and overall feasibility.

ii. Determine various phases and objectives of the project overall.

iii. Determine potential revenue stream based on local economy - compare with other maker spaces.

iv. Rough out features of the basic design and requisite footprint of the project.

v. Meet with Building and Planning Dept. to assess zoning requirements, etc.

vi. Begin formulating budgets for the various aspects and phases.

vii. Determine whether project is viable enough to move forward with further planning.

viii. If so, scout out potentially viable locations fro building - or existing buildings that would satisfy M.S. needs..

viiii. Revise proposal for initial fundraising and the next level of community support.

Mid-term goals (phase 1):

i. Raise first round of funding for purchase of real estate and for next phase of architectural drawings.

ii. Hire project manager.

iii. Finalize design requirements and requisite footprint of new building (or changes to existing).

iiii. Cost out shop equipment and staffing requirements.

iv. Finalize architectural drawings and budget for project.

v. Determine educational program requirements and scheduling for various classes.

vi. Determine membership benefits and requirements.

Mid-term goals (phase 2):

i. Revise proposal and resubmit for next phase of project with final round of fundraising.

ii. Hire contractor.

iii. Organize volunteer labor.

iv. Break ground and begin new construction (or remodel).

v. Begin ordering and purchasing equipment for various shops.

vi. Organize marketing and outreach programs.

vii. Finish construction and equipment installation.

Mid-term goals (phase 3):

i. Finalize class and workspace scheduling.

ii. Hire and train staff for safety and other needs.

iii. Grand Opening.

iv. Begin trainings and launch Incubator.

Long-term goals:

     i.     Assess success of various departments and of the M.S. I. overall.

b.) Measurable objectives of the project.

c.) Input and feedback mechanisms that will demonstrate the success or failure of the project.

5. Community Engagement:

a.) Strategies for involving the community in the project.

6. Collaboration and Partnerships:

a.) Openness to potential collaborators and partners.

b.) List the interest, qualifications, and experience of potential collaborators you are seeking.

7. Budget and Funding:

a.) Detailed budget breakdown for the entire project.

b.) Funding sources, including potential contributions from the Co-op.

c.) Financial sustainability plan for ongoing operations.

8. Timeline:

a.) Phases of development from planning to implementation with project milestones and timelines.

b.) Expected completion dates for each phase.

9. Risks and Mitigations:

a.)Identification of potential challenges and risks.

b.) Strategies and contingency plans for mitigating risks.

10. Evaluation and Impact Measurement:

a.) Criteria for evaluating the success of the project.

b.) Metrics to measure the impact on the targeted community.

11. Conclusion:

Summary of key points and benefits.

Next steps.

12. Appendices:

a.) Additional supporting documents, such as architectural plans, letters of support, or relevant research.

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