Greater Cincinnati Makers Collaborative
Cincinnati’s maker community faces significant challenges: limited resources, disconnected networks, and no unified voice to support their needs. These barriers made it hard for local makers to grow and work together.
The Makers Collaborative wanted to unite the community, but it needed a clear mission and a plan to move forward. Baraza Impact Design Studio partnered with the Collaborative to understand maker ecosystem needs, create a shared purpose, and design a roadmap for growth.
Uniting a Disconnected Maker Community
THE IMPACT
Baraza’s work helped transform the Makers Collaborative into a united ecosystem with a clear vision for the future:
Workshops and planning sessions increased collaboration and engagement among stakeholders.
We created a foundation that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of Cincinnati’s makers.
Identified at least three potential collaborations with local organizations to strengthen the ecosystem.
Developed a growth plan to significantly boost maker engagement in the first year.
HOW WE DID IT
From Insights to Action: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem
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Learning the Landscape & Identifying Insights
We began by reviewing local research to understand the challenges facing Cincinnati’s maker community. To gain additional insights, we interviewed six successful maker councils from across the country, learning how they built thriving ecosystems. These conversations inspired new ideas, revealed critical gaps, and established national relationships the Collaborative can lean on in the future.
The insights we gathered became the foundation for defining a clear mission and strong leadership.
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Framing the Opportunities
To align the Collaborative around a shared purpose, Baraza worked closely with the founding team to craft a mission, vision, and values that resonate with local makers. These sessions fostered a sense of unity and shared ownership among stakeholders.
We also designed a leadership structure that balances the enthusiasm of volunteers with the operational stability needed to achieve long-term goals. This structure clarified roles and responsibilities, ensuring every contributor understood their part in driving success.
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Translating to Strategy
To empower the Collaborative, Baraza mapped key players in the local and national ecosystems, including government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. To strengthen connections with these groups, we created a compelling pitch deck that effectively communicated the Collaborative’s mission and value.
We also built a comprehensive resource directory featuring 200+ organizations, networks, and subject matter experts to support makers. This positions the Collaborative as a central hub, equipping makers with the resources they need to grow.
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Taking Action
Baraza developed a detailed roadmap to guide the Collaborative’s long-term success. This roadmap outlined steps to build out the volunteer and steering teams, clearly defining responsibilities and goals. It also prioritized expanding the resource directory and strengthening ecosystem connections.
This actionable plan provides the Collaborative with the structure and direction needed to thrive while staying true to its mission.
Partnering for Success
Baraza was hired by the Urban Manufacturing Alliance to lead this project. Key partnerships with local organizations, including UC Makerspace, Hive 13, PAR-Projects, Sew Valley, Wave Pool Gallery, and Findlay Market, played a vital role in shaping the Collaborative’s vision and roadmap.