What Open Works does

Open Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit makerspace headquartered at 1400 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, operating a 34,000-square-foot facility containing seven industrial workshops (woodshop, metal shop, digital fabrication with laser cutters and CNC routers, 3D printing, textiles, digital textiles, and spray booth), 115 microstudios, and a 16-station computer lab running Adobe Creative Suite. Founded in 2016, the organization provides access to professional-grade fabrication equipment gated by mandatory safety certification, paired with educational programming for adults, seniors, and youth ages 8-17, and business-development support for manufacturing entrepreneurs through the EnterpRISE pitch competition.

The organization's revenue model blends earned and contributed income: pro memberships on a sliding scale ($85-$150/month target $110), microstudio rentals ($185-$205/month), contract fabrication services ($105/hour with 6-hour minimum), safety and skills classes, day passes, and a Shopify-based online store of maker products are paired with donations and foundation grants that constitute approximately 50% of the annual budget. Go-to-market is community-led through free orientation tours, free public events (Art Night, Quilt Club, Game Night), youth summer camps, and a network of 20+ partner organizations feeding the EnterpRISE competition funnel.

Operational scale encompasses roughly 4,000 people served annually through membership, classes, and events, support for 118 jobs and 1,000+ youth participants, and $9.5M in annual Maryland economic impact. The organization is expanding via Westside Open Works, a second location at Coppin State University with $4M in committed capital targeting a 45,000-square-foot facility by 2030, and has extended into digital equity through 12 solar-powered Wi-Fi stations deployed across Baltimore.

Name

Open Works

Legal name

Open Works

Website

https://openworksbmore.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Open Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit makerspace in Baltimore providing 34,000 SF of industrial workshops, microstudios, training, and contract fabrication services to ~4,000 makers, entrepreneurs, and youth annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Makerspace and Fabrication Services

NAICS

Office Furniture (including Fixtures) Manufacturing (33721)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Joinery, Millwork & Casework Installation (Cabinetry, Built-Ins) (IMAFANAJ)

Keywords

• Community makerspace
• Industrial fabrication
• Maker education
• Microstudio rentals
• Contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Monthly sliding-scale pro membership ($85-$150/month, target $110) providing access to shops based on safety certifications completed. Day passes available at $30/visit.
2. Studio Rentals: Microstudio rentals at $205/month for first unit (49 sq ft), $185/month for additional units. Includes utilities, wi-fi, storage locker, conference room access, and mailing address.
3. Education Classes: Safety certification classes, skill workshops, and foundation courses for adults and youth. 15% discount for members.
4. Contract Fabrication Services: Hire-a-contractor services for prototyping, short-run manufacturing, signage, and custom fabrication. Service charge $105/hr, $100 base job fee, 6-hour minimum.
5. Online Store: Sells flat-pack furniture and products made at Open Works, plus items from local makers.
6. EnterpRISE Pitch Competition: Annual business competition investing in Maryland-based manufacturing startups. Invested $124,750 in 70 companies since 2017.
7. Donations and Grants: Charitable contributions from foundations and individuals make up 50% of annual budget. 501(c)3 nonprofit with tax-deductible donation option.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Open Works is a nonprofit community makerspace providing shared access to industrial fabrication equipment (CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, wood/metal/textile shops) through monthly memberships, safety certification classes, microstudio rentals, and contract fabrication services. It also operates youth education programs, community events, and an annual manufacturing startup pitch competition (EnterpRISE) serving Baltimore makers and small manufacturers.

Product overview

Open Works is Maryland's largest nonprofit makerspace offering a comprehensive suite of fabrication tools, education, and business development services. The core offering centers on access to 7 industrial workshops (woodshop, metal shop, digital fabrication, 3D printing, textiles, digital textiles, spray booth) with safety certification courses required for shop access. Members reserve machine time through the MindBody platform and can choose between Pro Membership, Microstudio Rental (7'x7' workspaces), or Day Passes. Youth Programs serve children ages 8-17 through maker camps and teen maker programs. The EnterpRISE Pitch Competition supports manufacturing startups with cash prizes and mentorship. Contract Fabrication Services provide custom manufacturing for external clients. Community engagement includes free events (Art Night, Game Night, Quilt Club) and event space rentals. An online Shopify store sells Open Works products and local maker goods. Westside Open Works represents a planned second location in West Baltimore.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pro Membership Monthly sliding-scale membership ($85-$150/month) granting members access to industrial workshops (wood, metal, digital fabrication, textiles, digital textiles, 3D printing, spray booth) once they complete required safety certifications. For adult makers, artists, hobbyists, and small business operators.
• Microstudio Rental 7'x7' modular workspace rentals ($205/month for the first unit, $185/month additional) including workbench, power, Wi-Fi, storage locker, mailing address, and shared kitchenette/conference room access. For small businesses, artists, and startups needing dedicated space.
• Classes and Safety Courses Safety certification courses and skills workshops covering CNC Router, Laser Cutter, Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Textiles, Digital Textiles, 3D Printing, and Adobe Illustrator. For adult learners seeking technical skills training and shop access.
• Youth Programs Maker camps and programs for children ages 8-17 including sewing camps, Tinker Explore camps, family maker shops, and teen maker programs teaching design, fabrication, and business management skills.
• Contract Fabrication Services Custom fabrication services including prototyping, short-run manufacturing, CNC routing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, 3D printing, and design services at $105/hr labor with 6-hour minimum. For businesses and institutions needing custom manufacturing.
• EnterpRISE Pitch Competition

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 4,000 people/year through membership, classes, and events
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Coppin State UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to develop second Open Works location on Westside of Baltimore at Coppin State University School of Business. $4M in capital commitments raised for 45,000 SF facility. Satellite location operated summer 2024-winter 2025. Full facility planned by 2030.
• Enoch Pratt LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPratt Anywhere partnership provides free public computer access and digital navigator classes at Open Works. PC lab open to community. Funded by American Rescue Plan through Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs.
• Domesticity Fabric ShopcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership allows Bernina longarm quilting machine certification to be valid at both locations. Members certified at either location can use the machine at both facilities.
• Central Baltimore PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on digital equity initiative for solar-powered WiFi stations in neighborhoods throughout central Baltimore.
• Baltimore Office of Promotion and ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral operating supporter and partner for arts programming.
• Made in BaltimoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore entrepreneurial organization helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Impact HubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore entrepreneurial organization helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• University of Maryland GridminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversity of Maryland entrepreneurial ecosystem helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• UpSurge BaltimoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore tech and startup ecosystem partner for EnterpRISE competition.
• BaltiPreneursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore entrepreneurial organization helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Moms as EntrepreneursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore entrepreneurial organization helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Loyola Center for EntrepreneurshipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLoyola University Maryland entrepreneurial center helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• JHU Fast ForwardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJohns Hopkins University entrepreneurial program helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• University of Baltimore E-FellowsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversity of Baltimore entrepreneurial fellowship program helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Mayor's Office of Minority and Women Business DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaltimore City government office helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Towson University's the ArmoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTowson University entrepreneurial hub helping find companies for EnterpRISE competition.
• Black Acres RoasteryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site artisan coffee roaster located in Open Works lobby. Provides cafe services for members and visitors.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Artisan's Asylum: Artisan's Asylum is a non-profit makerspace in Somerville, MA offering shared shop access, classes, studio rentals, and contract manufacturing to artists, entrepreneurs, and institutions — directly comparable to Open Works in scale, mission, and programming.
• NextFab: NextFab operates a network of non-profit-adjacent fabrication studios in Philadelphia offering similar membership, classes, and contract fabrication services to makers, small businesses, and enterprises — directly comparable in model and revenue mix to Open Works.
• Nova Labs: Nova Labs is a non-profit makerspace in Reston, VA providing member access to wood, metal, digital fabrication, and 3D printing equipment plus classes and community programs — a Mid-Atlantic direct peer to Open Works.
• Alloy26 Maker Hub: Alloy26 is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit makerspace offering fabrication equipment, classes, and member studios with a similar economic-development mission to Open Works.
• The Steel Yard: The Steel Yard is a non-profit industrial arts center in Providence, RI offering fabrication equipment access, workforce training, and contract fabrication — comparable to Open Works' industrial-shop and education-focused nonprofit model.

Regional players

• Made in Baltimore: Baltimore-focused manufacturing ecosystem organization supporting local makers and manufacturers — overlapping programming with Open Works' EnterpRISE and contract services in the same region.
• Baltimore Tool Library: A Baltimore-based tool lending and maker organization offering accessible tool access and classes; overlaps with Open Works' equity-oriented makerspace mission in the same local market.

Others

• Fab Foundation: International non-profit that supports the Fab Lab network and ecosystem; comparable as an enabler of the broader makerspace/Fab Lab movement in which Open Works operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/openworksbmore
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC0E527Z2zu3lA5myOtBMJEw
• Facebookfacebook.com/OpenWorksBmore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/open-works-baltimore
• Instagraminstagram.com/open_works_bmore

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Open Works