Carver Innovation Center

When I was hired as the Coordinator for the Carver Innovation Center (CIC) it was a brand new undertaking by the Joseph Business School in Forest Park. The CIC mainly serves as a makerspace to support small businesses and budding entrepreneurs to bring product and service ideas into reality. Another main component of the services at the CIC included educational workshops for all ages to learn about the digital fabrication tools in the space as well as learning about best business practices. In my role as their first Coordinator I was in charge of pioneering the programs offered in the space and develop the systems for how our services were delivered to clients. This work involved providing engineering product design consultations to individuals or small businesses, fabricating orders for custom products, developing and leading training workshops, and otherwise managing all aspects of the CIC’s administrative operations.

Educational Workshops

Part of the business model for the Carver Innovation Center was to provide educational workshops. These served all ages, from school groups to retirees looking for something new to learn. Workshop topics covered 3D printing and design, 2D design, laser cutting and engraving, and vinyl cutting.