Bill > SB01179

This bill establishes the Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative Program, a pilot program to support entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial assistance to create or expand makerspaces in the state. A makerspace is defined as a community space that provides access to tools, technology, and educational materials for entrepreneurs, enabling the creation of tangible products and supporting workforce training and early-stage business development. Starting January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development will administer the program, which will offer up to $250,000 per fiscal year to eligible entities, with a total program funding cap of $5 million. Applicants must submit detailed proposals describing their proposed makerspace, the financial assistance needed, and other required information. Recipients will be required to submit a report two years after receiving funding, detailing the progress of their makerspace establishment or expansion. The commissioner must also submit an annual report to the state legislature evaluating the program's effectiveness. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to allocate $1 million from existing economic development funds specifically for this new makerspace initiative program, with up to 10% of those funds available for administrative costs.