The 1st Maker Space concept plans to disrupt K12 education and vocational training by leveraging their experience in 3D printing. They have developed curriculum and trained over 250 students in 3D modeling. They plan to generate revenue through after-school/summer camp programs in maker spaces developed in partner schools. Additional revenue will come from certification programs for young adults and consulting services to help schools develop maker programs. An investment of $500k is requested to expand these initiatives.

1. 1st
Maker Space
Executive Summary
August 6, 2015
Version 4.2

2. Executive Summary
The $1.1T business of Education in the United States is undergoing changes not seen since the
publication of “A Nation at Risk” in 1983. In that report, American students were found to be falling
behind their international peers and the gap was widening. Privatization, charter schools, religious
schools and home schooling are competing with traditional public schools for students and public
funding. These are symptoms of multiple opportunities to disrupt the status quo with innovative
solutions to systemic problems with the current system. We have a solution.
Furthermore, workforce development programs specifically targeting young adults (18-24) are
being funded at three times prior levels as the US Federal government attempts to prepare the next
generation of workers for jobs which demand skills they did not acquire in schools. (This situation is not
limited to American workforce development.) We have a solution here too.
The 1st
Maker Space concept plans to disrupt both the K12 and Vocational Education markets.
We shall do so by exploiting our current capacity we have in the engineering, manufacture and service
of desktop 3D printers. In addition, over the past year we have developed curriculum used to train over
250 students in 3D modeling, design and operation of our printers.
Our timing is perfect. Public and political leaders are demanding changes in schools. Federal,
State and Private education budgets are being redirected to innovative programs, new teaching
paradigms, and most importantly to us, funding for these changes is exploding. The pedagogical
justification for resynchronizing formal and informal learning is acknowledged. Nearly all parents
believe that an emphasis on high-stakes testing and a narrow focus on college academics are
misapplied. At the same time, there is a growing ‘Maker Movement’ that celebrates small
manufacturing, self-employment and economic development in city cores; so called ‘cottage industries.’
Hands-on-learning is making a come-back.
The urgency to prepare students for STEM careers and high paying advanced manufacturing
jobs has never been greater. We have captured the imagination of the entire Indianapolis community
with our $2M investment in industrial 3D printing equipment and earned $750K of IEDC incentives for
doing so. We leveraged our 3D printing technology leadership by installing over 70 desktop 3D printers
into area schools and libraries and then developed educator and student training programs to connect
mastery of the printers with STEM skills. Our ‘3D Design and Printing’ summer camps have inspired
students to become inventors, design thinkers and ‘makers.’ After our one week program they
demonstrate marked improvements in creativity, critical thinking and engagement.
Enrichment Program Revenue Stream
We generate enrichment program revenue from summer camps and after-school programs we
host in ‘1st
Maker Space’ facilities we develop at no charge with partner schools. Schools get to use the
space during the school day and integrate their formal curriculum with the new informal learning
options available in the maker space. Schools handle marketing and provide teachers for our camps.

3. Revenue from enrichment programs, curriculum development and 3D printer sales to schools
will exceed $100K in our first year. The revenue forecast for 2016 is $525K with out-years of our plan
exceeding 50% CAGR.
Certification/Adult Education Revenue Stream
Our second revenue generation model is the deployment of Advanced Manufacturing
certification programs targeting young adults. Certification programs delivered to clients of workforce
development agencies are likewise funded with federal funds. Typical fees are in the $2500-
$3500/student range. We intend to add additional value to our program, and differentiate ourselves
from the competition, by including in the cost of our ‘Introduction to Additive Manufacturing’
certification a ‘take-home’ 3D printer. Every student will be challenged to make their own printer from
our design kit and demonstrate a working machine in order to achieve their certification.
Our kick-off Certification Program is being discussed with five potential customers now with
2015 revenue forecast at $30K. The 2016 revenue forecast for certification programs is $300K with 100%
CAGR expected for out-years of our plan.
Maker Space/Maker Program Development Services Revenue Stream
As the market for ‘informal’ learning services develops we see a third revenue opportunity
emerging: Schools and libraries will engage us as experts to help them develop private maker spaces or
consult with them to create their own maker programs.
These projects will require consulting and design services, professional development services,
equipment selection, purchasing and installation services, among other deliverables. In addition, there
is a recurring revenue opportunity for continuing professional development, maintenance and resupply
services as well as participation in our ‘1st
Maker Space’ partner network that we intend to develop.
Currently, there are no other commercial enterprises offering maker space installation/program
development services to this rapidly growing market. Given our experience and reputation, we expect
to become a national leader in this market.
We have already delivered maker space/maker program development services to two local
libraries. 2015 revenue was $15K. We expect that to grow to $175K in 2016 with a CAGR of 40%.
In summary, our investment in K12 and adult education is perfectly timed to deliver a much
needed/highly valued service to a growing market with funding capacity measured in billions of dollars.
Our experience and preparation justifies our lofty goals and aggressive forecasts.
We have made significant progress on this plan and we would invite you to consider an
investment of $500K as a trusted partner. We encourage you to schedule a time to meet with us face to
face to discuss this opportunity as we would love to expand and deepen our long standing relationship
with you.