TEDCO Names 2023 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program Awardees

 Twenty projects will receive funding to create or expand Makerspaces across Maryland.

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced the awardees for the first round of the new Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program. Funding will be awarded to 20 projects spanning 11 counties and Baltimore City.

MACo has consistently supported leveraging state and local resources to support creative enterprises in Maryland. Makerspaces provide the space and means for community members to design, prototype, and manufacture items using tools that would otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable such as 3-D printers, digital fabrication machines, and computer-aided design software.

MACo supported establishing the Makerspace Program, which provides grants of up to $100,000 and technical assistance for qualified entities looking to establish a new Makerspace, expand an existing Makerspace, or develop Makerspace programming. The goal is to grow a state-wide Makerspaces community that provides entrepreneurs access to tools, technologies, and knowledge to support their growth and development and expand workforce training.

According to TEDCO, the 2023 Makerspace awardees include:

  • Allegany College of Maryland
  • Baltimore Jewelry Center
  • Baltimore Underground Science Space
  • Carroll County Public Library
  • Chesapeake Arts Center
  • College of Southern Maryland Foundation
  • DMV Petri Dish
  • Fashion Heritage Needle Trades Foundation
  • Frederick County Office of Economic Development
  • Howard County Library System
  • Makerspace of Annapolis
  • Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.
  • Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory
  • Morgan State University
  • PaxSpace, Inc. (won twice for different Makerspace projects)
  • Rockville Science Center
  • Salisbury University
  • Station North Tool Library, Inc.
  • Washington College

“TEDCO is always working to support and grow businesses in Maryland. This includes creating and supporting opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn, grow, create, and innovate,” said Terry Rauh, TEDCO’s chief finance and operations officer. “That is why we are excited to announce the 2023 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program financial assistance grants—these spaces are designed to provide entrepreneurs with resources to help grow their businesses, such as technologies to support prototyping and product creation, as well as training and educational opportunities.”

For more information about the Maryland Makerspace Initiative project, visit https://www.tedcomd.com/makerspace. Qualified entities may apply or reapply for financial assistance when the application process reopens in Spring 2024.