generator presentation to dealer.com
TRANSCRIPT
burlington generatorThe nation’s 100 percent renewables-powered gigabit makerspace
Presentation to Dealer.comOCTOBER 7, 2015
PROBLEM
Design and fabrication tools and processes are changing rapidly. As the maker movement grows the cost of entry and competitiveness remains prohibitive for independent creatives.
57** Fifty seven percent of Americans consider themselves “makers.”
opportunity
Vermont is ahead of the nation for independent creatives per capita. Burlington is home to the highest concentration of creatives in the state.
4** Vermont is ranked fourth in the nation for artists per capita
context
Home to a vibrant ecosystem of innovation drivers including higher ed, creative firms, geography, targeted services, finance, open political culture.
2** Burlington was recently ranked second nationally among America’s most innovative cities
Solution
Accelerate independent innovation and entrepreneurship by lowering the costs of entry, encouraging creativity, fostering learning, encouraging collaboration, and reducing startup risk.
What we do
Generator provides access to tools, workspaces and human resources that facilitate the design and fabrication of diverse products that serve as the basis of new companies.
WHO WE ARE
179 members strong, Generator is built around a core of 6 workshops and 19 studios. Day to day activities are supported by 30 volunteers. We are managed by 5 staff and overseen by a board of 13 community leaders.
who we serve
Generator’s members are drawn from a diverse cross-section of the Burlington community – artists, engineers, designers, craftspeople, coders – who are 18 and older. We regularly engage K12 students through special programs.
key activities
We offer basic and advanced classes, host workshops across relevant topics, provide networking opportunities, and serve as a marketing platform for our members.
examples
Pitch It, Fab It, Maker in Residence, BIG Maker, Champlain Maker TA, Teacher in Residence; Lake Brite, Champlain Makerfaire, Tech Jam, Artists Market, Made in Vermont Expo
success stories
Pinbox 3000*, AirShark*, Mr E. Designs*, River Slate Company, Blacksand Supply Company, Matt and Erik Design, Pitchfork Farms, Alice and the Magician
* Maker in residence alumnus
growth areas
Programs. Entrepreneurial support, K12 teacher training, workforce training and development, volunteer training and management, marketing and outreachResource base. Facility, tool-set, technology backbone, documentationCommunity connections. Youth service organizations, community arts, K12 schools, area businesses
Pain points
Budget. Expand staff headcount and hours, health benefitFacility. Strained at 6,000ft/sqSafety. More shop floor resources neededVisibility. Untold stories, unknown products
ENgagement opportunities
Company membership. Bring people, skills and experience inCorporate underwriting. Programs, workshops and resourcesTime and materials. Expertise and in-kind contributionsSustaining support. Long-term partnerships that fill budget gaps
Dealer opportunities
Entrepreneur in residence. Complement, expand direct support.Design, coding. Help us sustain terminal-based programming.Documentation. Help us tell our story, get it out there!
