Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide Newport and the Northeast Kingdom with an accessible community workshop where residents can learn, create, repair, and innovate together through shared tools, knowledge, and collaborative spirit.
Vision
A thriving hub of creativity and practical skills that strengthens our community's self-reliance, fosters entrepreneurship, and bridges generational knowledge gaps while serving everyone from hobbyists to small business owners.
Core Values
Accessibility
Affordable membership and sliding scale options
Sustainability
Repair over replace, reuse quality tools
Community
Shared learning and mutual support
Innovation
Embracing both traditional crafts and modern technology
Community Need & Opportunity
The Challenge
Newport residents currently face significant barriers to hands-on creation and repair:
- Limited access to tools - High cost of quality equipment for occasional use
- Skill gaps - Declining traditional trades knowledge and limited tech training
- Economic opportunity - Few resources for prototyping small business ideas
- Social isolation - Limited spaces for collaborative learning and community building
Our Solution: The Three-Pillar Approach
1. TOOL LIBRARY - Community members borrow tools like library books
- Eliminates individual purchase costs for occasional-use items
- Maintains and repairs donated/used equipment for maximum lifespan
- Sliding scale fees ensure accessibility across income levels
2. SHARED WORKSHOP - On-site workspace with supervision and training
- Safe environment for learning new skills with expert guidance
- Access to stationary equipment (table saws, 3D printers, welding)
- Community projects that benefit the broader Newport area
3. KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE - Intergenerational skill sharing
- Local craftspeople teaching traditional techniques
- Tech-savvy members leading digital fabrication workshops
- "Fix-it Cafés" for community repair events
Services & Programs
Core Offerings
- Tool lending library with 2-week checkout periods
- Open workshop hours with trained supervision (evenings/weekends)
- Skills workshops - woodworking, electronics, 3D design, welding basics
- Youth programs - after-school STEM activities, summer camps
- Community repair events - monthly fix-it cafés
- Small business incubation - prototyping support for local entrepreneurs
Equipment Focus Areas
IMMEDIATE (Year 1)
Basic hand tools, power tools, electronics station, entry-level 3D printing
EXPANSION (Year 2)
Woodworking shop, basic metalworking, additional 3D printing
ADVANCED (Year 3)
Small CNC capabilities, expanded metalworking, specialized equipment
Emphasis on acquiring quality used equipment through donations, auctions, and business partnerships
Organizational Structure
Legal Structure
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation
- Board of Directors: 5-7 community representatives
- Paid Manager: Part-time position ($12,000-15,000 annually)
- Volunteer Coordinators: Workshop leaders, safety officers, events
- Advisory Council: Local business owners, educators, craftspeople
Membership Model
| Membership Type |
Monthly |
Annual |
| Individual |
$35/month |
$350/year |
| Family |
$50/month |
$500/year |
| Student/Senior |
$20/month |
$200/year |
| Day Pass |
$12 (tool library access + 4 hours workshop time) |
| Sliding Scale |
Available based on need |
Revenue Streams
- Membership fees (65% of revenue)
- Workshop/class fees (15% of revenue)
- Grants and donations (15% of revenue)
- Small fabrication services (5% of revenue)
Financial Projections
Startup Costs
| Category |
Amount |
Funding Source |
| Equipment (used/donated) |
$5,000 |
Grants, donations, fundraising |
| Space setup & safety |
$3,500 |
Community fundraising |
| Insurance (first year) |
$3,000 |
Operating budget |
| Working capital |
$2,500 |
Board/founder contributions |
| TOTAL |
$14,000 |
|
Three-Year Operating Projections
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
| Members |
45 |
85 |
125 |
| Revenue |
$19,000 |
$32,000 |
$48,000 |
| Expenses |
$21,000 |
$30,000 |
$42,000 |
| Net |
($2,000) |
$2,000 |
$6,000 |
Year 1 deficit covered by startup grants and donations
Key Expense Categories
- Facility costs: $12,000/year (rent, utilities, insurance)
- Manager salary: $12,000/year (part-time)
- Equipment/maintenance: $3,000/year
- Programs/supplies: $2,000/year
Implementation Plan
Phase 1: Discovery (Months 1-3)
- Form founding team with diverse skills
- Survey potential members and community needs
- Meet with local creative economy stewards, technology groups, and educators
- Research potential funding partners and locations
- Hold public interest meeting to gauge community support
- Create documentation systems and contact lists
Phase 2: Formation (Months 4-9)
- File articles of incorporation and obtain tax ID
- Secure liability insurance and necessary permits
- Finalize location and prepare space
- Establish membership structure and operational procedures
- Create access/security systems and floor plans
- Set up utilities and internet access
- Acquire initial equipment through donations and purchases
Phase 3: Launch (Months 10-12)
- Host grand opening event with local media coverage
- Implement marketing campaign with flyers, cards, and online presence
- Begin offering introductory classes and workshops
- Schedule regular public tours and open houses
- Focus on reaching financial stability with membership growth
- Establish regular cleaning and maintenance schedules
Phase 4: Outreach (Year 2+)
- Form collaborations with other community organizations
- Create standard guides for hosting meetups and events
- Develop relationships with neighboring businesses and residents
- Connect with regional maker spaces for knowledge sharing
- Document the space's history and impact
- Ensure continuing diversity of membership and programs
Community Impact
Economic Development
- Local entrepreneurship - Prototyping support for new businesses
- Skill development - Workforce training in modern manufacturing
- Repair economy - Extending product lifecycles, reducing waste
- Tourism potential - Unique community asset attracting visitors
Social Benefits
- Intergenerational connection - Elders teaching traditional skills
- Youth engagement - STEM learning outside traditional classroom
- Community resilience - Shared resources and mutual aid networks
- Creative expression - Accessible outlet for artistic and practical projects
Environmental Impact
- Waste reduction - Repair and reuse emphasis
- Resource sharing - Fewer individual tool purchases needed
- Local production - Reduced shipping for custom/replacement parts
- Education - Sustainable making practices
Success Metrics
Year 1 Targets
4
Community Repair Events
Long-term Goals
- 125+ members by Year 3
- Self-sustaining operations
- Regional reputation as model rural maker space
- Measurable local economic impact through supported businesses
- Documented skill development and community engagement
Call to Action
The Newport Community Maker Space represents more than a workshop—it's an investment in our community's future. By combining traditional Yankee ingenuity with modern technology, we can create a space where neighbors help neighbors, skills are shared across generations, and innovative solutions emerge from collaborative creativity.
We need community partners who share our vision:
- Founding members to provide startup stability
- Equipment donors to help us launch affordably
- Volunteer instructors to share their expertise
- Local businesses to sponsor programs and provide mentorship
- Municipal support for this community development initiative
Together, we can build something remarkable—a place where Newport's creative spirit has room to flourish, where practical skills are preserved and passed on, and where our community becomes more self-reliant and connected.
Join us in making Newport a place where anyone can learn, create, and innovate.
For more information or to get involved, contact:
jeff@ncmsvt.org