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TEDCO Supports Makerspaces with $785,000 in Grants

On August 7, 2025, TEDCO, an economic driver for technology companies in Maryland, announced the recipients of its Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program. This year, a total of $785,000 will be distributed among 14 organizations across nine counties in the state, aimed at boosting the growth and development of makerspaces.

The Maryland Makerspace Initiative was established through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly and offers grants of up to $100,000 and technical assistance to qualified entities. The initiative's main goal is to foster a state community of makerspaces, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, technology, and knowledge they need to thrive.

Terry Rauh, TEDCO's Director of Finance and Operations, remarked, "Since its inception, the Makerspace Program has provided $2.4 million through 52 awards statewide to support Maryland's innovation ecosystem. We look forward to seeing these 14 awardees drive innovation capabilities within their communities."

From a competitive pool of 25 applications, the chosen 14 award recipients for the 2025 Makerspace Program are as follows:

• - Allegany College of Maryland (Allegany County)
• - Chesapeake Arts Center (Anne Arundel County)
• - City Life Community Builders (Baltimore City)
• - Digital Harbor Foundation Technology Lab (Baltimore City)
• - Inncuvate Community Development Partners (Prince George’s County)
• - Frederick Makerspace (Frederick County)
• - Annapolis Makerspace (Anne Arundel County)
• - Maryland Technology Assistance Program (Baltimore City)
• - Players Philanthropy Fund (Code Super Powers) (Prince George’s County)
• - Rockville Science Center (Montgomery County)
• - Salisbury University, Richard Bernstein Makerspace (Wicomico County)
• - St. Mary's County Library, Lexington Park Branch (St. Mary’s County)
• - The SPACE Art for All (E2Lab) (Prince George’s County)
• - Washington College, The Innovation Plant (Kent County)

Justin Ferguson, Innovation Manager at the Department of Business Development, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing support for makerspaces. He stated, "We are excited to see continued interest in expanding makerspace capabilities throughout the state."

The Impact of Makerspaces

Makerspaces have become vital hubs for innovation and creativity, allowing individuals and businesses to access tools and resources that would otherwise be unavailable. By providing financial assistance and support, TEDCO aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across Maryland.

These recipients will not only utilize the funding to establish new makerspaces or enhance existing ones but will also develop programs that can provide essential skills training to workers in their communities. This initiative exemplifies TEDCO's commitment to promoting an inclusive ecosystem of innovation and technology growth in Maryland.

For additional details about the Maryland Makerspace Initiative, please visit TEDCO's official page on Makerspaces.

About TEDCO

TEDCO is Maryland's technology development corporation, dedicated to empowering economic independence through fostering an inclusive ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and supports the growth of technology and life sciences companies across the state. To learn more about TEDCO, visit their website at www.tedcomd.com.