'De-risking business': Newmarket hub removes startup costs for entrepreneurs
Digital innovation hub NewMakeIt offers tools and equipment with membership to get started

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 9, 2018
Ali Raza

It’s expensive to make money.

As enterprising an individual as you might be, covering the costs of starting a business or a new venture are overwhelming and often risky.

There’s a place in Newmarket that helps creative hobbyists and entrepreneurs alike “de-risk” starting a business.

It's called NewMakeIt.

“We’re trying to provide a space for folks to start things themselves,” said co-founder Derrol Salmon.

At it’s spacious, multi-floor facility, members can make use of a fully-loaded industrial and digital workshop. They can receive training from other members, as well as network with hobbyists.

That means if you need anything a 3D printer, a laser machine, an electronics lab, and much more you can use it, for a small monthly fee that is nowhere near the cost of owning your own equipment.

Since opening in February 2016, NewMakeIt’s membership has soared to almost a 100 active members. A handful of those members, Salmon says, have started their own businesses with the resources at NewMakeIt.

“We can enable people to get started in a business,” he said. “If they require tools, we have them at our space. If you’re attempting to start your business where those tools are necessary to begin, that’s a huge upfront capital cost.”

Helping to eliminate that first barrier, NewMakeIt has spawned 10-12 local businesses in the last nine months alone. From woodworking, home decor to bracelets and phone cases, even grinders for medical marijuana — NewMakeIt’s resources have helped many entrepreneurs make their products for market.

Andrew Maidanik sells barbecue scrapers and phone cases via Amazon, after designing and constructing them at NewMakeIt. He uses a laser machine the usual cost of one being $30,000 to $40,000 to make his products.

But instead of thousands of dollars, Maidanik spends just under a hundred a month for full access to the facility. He’s run his business TruWood Co. since June 2017.

“It doesn’t just significantly cut costs,” Maidanik said. “We wouldn’t even be able to start without this place.”

Another hobbyist, Andrew Wong, discovered NewMakeIt and liked it so much he started training workshops, eventually becoming a board member.

“I run my business, Arymis,” Wong said. “I do custom designs in woodworking. I’ve made acoustic guitars, electric basses, custom furniture, etc.”

Wong spends 40 to 70 hours a week at NewMakeIt. Aside from running his own business, he helps others get started.

“If I needed to run my own shop, I would need two to three thousand dollars a month,” he said. “I save over two grand easy now. You can take a risk without falling into a hole.”

NewMakeIt has been operating for two years now. The not-for-profit organization was made possible through funding and support form the Government of Ontario, the Regional Municipality of York, and the Town of Newmarket.