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Posted Sept. 4, 2023
The UEA's mission is to help entrepreneurs get started, so TekVenture's workshops and expertise fills their need, just like their clean industrial facility with classroom, loading ramp, dust handler, upper levels, break room, and utilities and maintenance included in the discounted price, is what TekVenture needs. 
It is good for TekVenture's soul as well. We sold, fixed or discarded the clutter that has hampered our operations. 
ABOUT TEKVENTURE MAKERSPACE
What is a makerspace?
Basically, it is a place with a LOT of tools that are shared by members who pay a fee. Often, it requires volunteers to run it. Some makerspaces, especially in big cities are very expensive. Fort Wayne's TekVenture is unusually affordable which requires a LOT of members, so we aim to please!
TekVenture has shops in ceramics, welding, blacksmithing, electricity and electronics, art studios, wood shop, machine shop, 3D-printing, sewing, and are repairing our laser cutter and creating a hands on print shop.
Where is TekVenture?
1830 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 is east of downtown. MAP
P.O. Box 11134 /Fort Wayne, IN 46856
(Our old address was in the River City area, 1550 Griffin St.)
Who is in Leadership?
Board of Directors, as of June 21, 2023
Peter Bolakowski, President, 260 341-4875
Jeannette Jaquish, Treasurer, 260 750-9013
-- together Peter and Jeannette share the Secretary job
-- Vice President is not determined yet.
Nigel Roper
Jim Delaney
Phillip Springer
------- We are open for new board members. Please contact a board member.
How is TekVenture run?
The board makes policy decisions and approves large expenditures and significant actions.
Work shops, called Worx areas, are each managed by an Area Manager who has a lot of authority to make rules and organize the area, keeping with the TekVenture mission of making tools available to the public. Each worx area should have the area manager's rules and contact image displayed.
Everyday problems are solved by the shift manager, or an area manager or discussed and worked out at the Thursday, 6pm, members dinner meeting.
How do I get to use the tools and get started?
When you first join, online or in person, you will be sent an email of explanation.
Join online or come in to join. Talk to the area managers where you want to work. It is a good idea to attend the weekly Members Meeting, Thursdays, at 6pm (dinner included), where the seasoned regulars will be glad to hear what project you have in mind and tell you how to make it.
When you first join and come in, you will be required to sign the indemnity waiver, agreeing that you will not sue us if you get hurt, that you will follow the rules, and that we can use your image in our publicity. You will get a walk around orientation of where things are and rules and dangers and how we do things. You will get a copy of the Rules and Regulations, and the Code of Conduct and sign off that you received them. At first you will only be able to get in during OPEN HOURS or when someone with a key is already there, but later if you ask and we have decided we know you well enough and trust you, you will be loaned a key and you can come and go as you like, 24/7.
What does membership cost?
Please check on the JOIN page.
How do I deal with problems: someone who is causing trouble, unfairness, equipment not working, recognizing a danger, needing something?
Tell someone, if possible the person most pertinent to the situation. Area manager, shift supervisor, board member or another more long term member. Please, do not just complain and gossip; that will not fix the problem and will cause more. Leave a written note at the front desk if you need to.