FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) today released the results of a comprehensive feasibility study assessing the county’s makerspace network. A makerspace is a shared space where people can use tools and equipment to build, create, and bring their ideas to life. Conducted by Jon Stover & Associates (JS&A) and supported by TEDCO, the study concluded that Frederick provides opportunities to support and strengthen the makerspace ecosystem and outlines a path forward for enhancing innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship across Frederick County.
“A makerspace offers more than the tools and technology needed to build a business – it’s a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and collaboration,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “In Frederick County, we recognize the power of these spaces to unlock potential across our community. This makerspace feasibility study is an exciting step forward in our commitment to foster economic growth and highlights how we can leverage partnerships as a strategic investment in our workforce.”
Participation in the feasibility study was made possible by a TEDCO grant awarded through the Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program, which was created to encourage growth of makerspaces throughout the state. Recipients are selected each year to receive grants to establish a new makerspace, expand an existing makerspace, or develop programming for a makerspace.
“The Maryland Makerspace Program reflects the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit across Maryland,” said Troy Lemaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO. “TEDCO is proud to help fuel that momentum and foster inclusive growth. We are eager to see how recipients like Frederick County Office of Economic Development continue strengthening Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.”
Makerspaces are important in the county as innovation hubs, workforce training sites, community anchors, and social learning facilities and the Livable Frederick Master Plan identifies makerspaces as part of the community’s vision for Frederick County and a vital part of a broader economic ecosystem. The study recommends that Frederick County focus on strengthening existing and upcoming facilities, such as the Frederick Community College (FCC) Monroe Center and the planned nonprofit Frederick Makerspace. These organizations are poised to serve a broad and growing community of makers including students, workers, hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Key Findings:
Existing Facilities Need Support: The FCC Monroe Center Makerspace could benefit from expanded programming and staffing to increase its utilization. The Frederick Makerspace, currently in development, is set to fill a key gap in community access to maker resources.
Strong Regional Demand: With over 1.6 million people living within a 45-minute drive, Frederick County is ideally positioned to support a wider variety of makerspace types.
Job Market Alignment: Local job growth is expected across many maker-aligned sectors, including biotech, skilled trades, and design—making makerspaces a strategic workforce development tool.
Recommended County Role: The study outlines three potential levels of engagement for FCOED—Supporter, Amplifier, and Proactive Leader—each offering tangible strategies for scaling maker initiatives based on community needs and available resources. FCOED will focus heavily on the Supporter and Amplifier roles, operating as a supportive partner with the groups creating and operating makerspaces in Frederick County. This will include filling in gaps in the county’s makerspace ecosystem to help existing and future makerspaces successful. FCOED will leverage partnerships and collaboration to invest in and bring additional resources to these makerspaces.
The report also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, flexible funding models, and community-driven programming to ensure the long-term sustainability of these spaces.
To view the full feasibility study by Jon Stover & Associates, visit https://tinyurl.com/26em3bjn.
You can learn more about TEDCO’s Maryland Makerspace Program at https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/maryland-makerspace-initiative-program.
About Frederick County Office of Economic Development
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development is a catalyst for economic growth in Frederick County. The agency’s mission is to sustain, diversify and grow Frederick County’s vibrant economy by providing leadership and resources for businesses to start, locate and expand. For more information, visit discoverfrederickmd.com.
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CONTACT: Britt Swartzlander
Communications Manager
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
301-600-1056