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Makerspaces pushed as workforce and small‑business incubators; committee hears SB 1179 testimony
Summary
Nonprofits and makerspace leaders urged the Commerce Committee to support SB 1179, a bill to create a Connecticut Community Makerspace Program to fund and stabilize makerspaces that offer industrial tools, training and business incubation.
Several makerspace leaders and users told the Commerce Committee that a state program to support makerspaces would expand hands‑on training, entrepreneurship and small‑business creation across Connecticut. Witnesses described the public value of affordable access to industrial tools, classes and shared workspaces.
JR Logan, executive director of MakeHaven, described a 12,000 square‑foot New Haven makerspace with wood, metal and textiles shops and a broad program roster. He testified in support of SB 11 79 (Connecticut Community Makerspace Program), saying makerspaces produce grassroots innovation and that many spaces struggle to cover operating costs while providing subsidized access.
Other witnesses explained the role makerspaces play in workforce development and local economic development. Frederick Lorthoirff, a long‑time trades professional and community volunteer, said makerspaces fill a gap left by the decline of traditional “shop” and home‑economics classes and provide low‑cost hands‑on learning for adults who lack those skills. John Logan and a founder of Darkstar Marine Hardware described entrepreneurs who began with classes and prototyping at makerspaces and later formed small businesses.
Out‑of‑state witness Will Holman, CEO of OpenWorks in Baltimore, described Maryland’s Makerspace Initiative, a $5 million appropriation the Maryland legislature awarded over five years and which now distributes grants to local makerspaces through a state agency. Holman said OpenWorks’ independent assessment found strong economic impact from maker activity and that the network provided resilience benefits during the COVID‑19 pandemic by manufacturing PPE locally.
Committee members asked about program design, funding models and connections to community colleges, high schools and workforce development. Several witnesses said makerspaces already partner with community colleges and workforce programs but that more formal, sustained funding would help scale those contributions. No committee votes were taken; proponents offered to supply program designs and economic impact data to committee staff.
