Los Al-Based 'Maker Space' Clinches $100K Grant

From a press release:

Built It Workspace, a Los Alamitos-based ”maker space” company featuring 3D printing, received a $100,000 Clean Tech Grant that will be utilized in part to train and educate unemployed veterans, President Mark Lengsfeld announced today.

“This program we’re launching is a great opportunity for unemployed veterans to learn a new craft, sharpen their skills and even invent something,” Lengsfeld says. “This is a nice opportunity for them to get their lives back on track, become employed again, and learn some of the most unique and sophisticated software technology and programs that are emerging in today’s ‘Build-It-Yourself, Maker Movement’ environment.”

The grant was awarded to Build It Workspace from AutoDesk, a leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. AutoDesk provides “clean tech” companies like Build It Workspace with software grants through its Clean Tech Partner Program. The program awards “seed” grants consisting of free bundles of Autodesk software to early-stage, clean technology companies working to solve environmental challenges.

In order to receive a scholarship to the Built It Workspace program, featuring training from Ketiv, unemployed veterans need to submit a statement by October 1 as to why they would like to be granted the training. The general public is also welcome to submit a statement to be considered for the scholarship program.

The training will be conducted at Build It Workspace Oct. 6-8. Built It Workspace is located at 4478 Cerritos Ave. in Los Alamitos. For more information, call 714-947-0800, email mark@buildit.ws or go to BuildItWorkSpace.com.

“This scholarship program enables people to have access to software that they normal don’t have in an environment that is set up for occupational programs,” Lengsfeld says.

Built It Workspace will be utilizing the Autodesk Inventor high-end software, which “allows us to do 3D modeling and do heavier analysis associated with 3D printing,” Lengsfeld says.

Built It Workspace is among the growing number of “Maker Movement” companies sweeping the nation. The company has created “a community of knowledge sharing and innovation where a project can be fully developed,” Lengsfeld says.

Built It Workspace provides affordable access to both traditional tools and the latest technologies, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vacuum formers,and CNC routers.