A maker space in Portland Oregon that is enriching
the community through building and tinkering.
Makers...
-
build off
the ideas of others and choose the best tools for the
job
-
are intrinsically motivated
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identify their own challenges and solves new problems
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seek out STEM content to improve their projects, and they cross
disciplines to achieve their goals, rather than staying
within one specialty
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take risks and iterate from “failures” to achieve success
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have a growth mindset that leads them to expend the energy to learn
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collaborate and give advice and guidance to their peers
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interested in open sharing and exhibition, not competition
"Every industry that required a factory
yesterday only needs a garage today."
– Cory Doctorow of Makers, 2009
Another maker space for PDX
What questions answered...
What exists already?
Who is the audience?
Where the Make Noise Lab is at and going?
What it needs?
What are the potential revenue streams?
What is my estimated ROI?
What currently exists?
+ Nice selection of tools/equipment, classes- Costly membership and tool usage feesAssorted focus on metal, 3d printing, laser, woodworking
+ Affordable- Cleanliness, organization, lacking on tools/equipmentFocus on electronics, network security
+ Affordable, space appears clean and safe- Lacking good selection of modern tools, resourcesFocus on feminism, hacking, 3d printing
+ Nice design, good selection of tools- Not open for membershipCraft of leather and woodworking
Who is the audience?
The space is targeting professionals looking for a creative outlet. This includes millennials that have extra income and that are motivated to share and learn.
Professions may include:
Designers (Product and Media)
Architects
Engineers
Graphic Artists
Where is Make Noise Lab?
It's currently located in SE Portland. And is within walking distance or public transport of hardware stores, music shops, tool sharing, restaurants and cafés.
Current Tools On Hand
The focus is on smaller tangible and digital audio creations.
- High Quality Audio Interface
- Guitar Amp
- Microphones
- Various MIDI Controllers
- Audio Cables
- Desk/Workspaces
- Soldering Iron(s)
- Arduino Development Boards (for purchase)
- Breadboards + Wires
- Various Mini/Micro Power Tools
- True-RMS Multimeter
A Few More Needs
- Interior design materials to instill the brand.
- Marketing collateral
- Storage locker(s) for tools
- Some basic tools (hand and electric powered)
- Your support
Nice to haves
- Modela
- Tabletop-size milling machine that can drill holes and mill small parts and prototypes from a designer’s plan. Modela can also scan a part and then replicate it on demand.
- $450–$9,299
- 3d Printer
- Able to generate 3D objects that can be used for parts or prototypes.
- $499–$2,999
- Laser Cutter
- A carbon dioxide laser that cuts through plastic and other materials, up to a quarter-inch thick. The cutter can also be used to engrave text, graphics, and photos on a variety of materials.
- $1,450–$5,995
Nice to haves (cont)
- Micro Power Tools
- These include smaller versions of the typical power saw or lathe. Some manufacturers include Proxxon and Micro-Mark.
- $200 - $1,000
- CNC Machine(s)
- Computer-guided router makes complicated cuts in wood. It can carve complex designs for furniture and letters for signs.
- $1,000-$23,000
Potential Streams of Revenue
- Rent profits
- Locker Purchases
- Classes and Training
Rent Profits
The space will be priced competitively while taking into consideration investor targeted returns.
Locker Purchases
Square loaded lockers will contain items typically needed for building. Think of these as vending machines.
Some of the items may include:
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Solder
- Wires and Cables
- Arduinos
- Commonly Used Expansion Shields
Classes and Training
There will always be an opportunity to purchase a class or training session for a variety of topics.
What's the return?
Investing in Make Noise Lab is a risk and measuring the financial
return of a maker space at this time is beyond my capabilities. This is mostly due to the newness of the market. If the company is profitable, you should expect a return of at least 14.17%* within two years.
The facility will operate under the guidelines of the Makerspace Playbook. This guide contains best practices and advice for ensuring that your maker space is successful.
* Return amount calculated based on an average S&P 500 return from 2010-2013.
Maker Spaces are Trending
via Google Trends
What's the mission?
The culture, leadership and tools make or break a space. But these things also make each one unique. And there will never be a formula for what the perfect maker space should be.
The mission of Make Noise Lab is to provide a clean, safe and organized space for folks interested in electronics, music, programming or visual arts to create what they have a passion for.
Goals
- Make a model for maker spaces that is financially sustainable and duplicable.
- Create a brand for maker spaces that is recognizable globally.
- Enrich communities by providing safe places to build, dream and tinker.
READY?
Make Noise Lab of Portland Oregon
By Rob Sawyer
Make Noise Lab of Portland Oregon
It's the perfect place to hack around on that million dollar idea, product or demo track. When you need to take a break, there are bars, restaurants and cafés near. And public transit is just around the corner.
