![\"Tech-shop\"](\"http:\/\/blog.spcollege.edu\/veterans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2015\/10\/Tech-shop.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMakerspaces, also called hackerspaces or fablabs are do-it-yourself spaces where people can create, invent, and learn in a social environment with the proper equipment. While longtime hubs for the hobbyist, or inventor,\u00a0 these spaces have also become the birthplace of a variety of socially-good businesses and endeavors.<\/p>\n
TechShop, the first, largest, and most popular makerspace with locations nationwide, collaborated with VA\u2019s Center for Innovation (VACI) to provide 2,000 one-year memberships at its locations across the country.\u00a0 The spaces afford Veterans an opportunity explore their ideas and make their dreams become reality by providing instruction as well as a wide array of equipment, such as milling, forming, cutting, welding, woodworking, electronics, and much more.<\/p>\n
Some TechShop members have created new products and businesses. Some members join specifically to turn their concepts into reality. Other members start without a specific concept in mind, but found direction and opportunity while working with the tools, learning new skills and interacting with other members.<\/p>\n
Compass Coffee\u00a0\u00a0and its Veteran owners, Michael Haft and Anthony Saurez,\u00a0took advantage of this partnership.\u00a0\u00a0The two Marine Veterans\u00a0used TechShop\u2019s cutting-edge\u00a0 equipment and training to become more competitive in the job market or pursue entrepreneurial goals. Watch their story below.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a><\/strong> to watch a video.<\/p>\n Ken McKinnon<\/span><\/p>\n Ken McKinnon is the video team leader on VA’s Digital Media Engagement team. He has a 45-year career in journalism and government service, 13 years with Florida newspapers, 10 as a press and communications director on Capitol Hill, and 22 with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. He is the proud son of a career Marine Master Sergeant who served in World War II and the Korean War.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to read the original article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" VA Center for Innovation partners with TechShop to cultivate creativity and entrepreneurship among Veterans Makerspaces, also called hackerspaces or fablabs are do-it-yourself spaces where people can create, invent, and learn in a social environment with the proper equipment. While longtime hubs for the hobbyist, or inventor,\u00a0 these spaces have also become the birthplace of a … Continue reading VA Partners With TechShop<\/span> Author<\/h4>\n<\/header>\n