Title: For Startups
Author: mfucilli
Published: September 16, 2024
Last modified: April 15, 2026

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## An Environment Tailored to Hardware Startups

![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cotrupe_parts_laser-1024x768.
webp)

Looking for inspiration from those who have done it before? Our Incubated Maker 
membership offers a supportive environment for product development startups, through
workshop access, networking, mentorship, and need-based referrals. If you are developing
a physical product and are working on prototype development, design for manufacturing,
scaling up, or other related design and manufacturing problems, this member level
is for you.

You can connect with knowledgable professionals, fabricate your prototype, and manufacture
your product _all in the same building. _

![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/i518-nystar.webp)

We are a supportive, collaborative, and inspiring community for early-stage entrepreneurs
to grow their businesses. In light of that mission, **we don’t take any equity in
our member companies**. Instead, members pay a monthly fee to access our space, 
plus additional fees for dedicated workspace and services as needed. We bring in
revenue from other sources, including partnerships and grants, to keep membership
fees low for all members.

## Incubated Maker

 * Starting at $145/month
 * **24/7 access to our makerspace and maker community, **featuring over $250,000
   of [fabrication equipment](https://www.tvcog.net/facility/makerspace-technology-zones),
   and 250+ makers with a wide range of technical knowledge and skills.
 * **Ability to rent dedicated space** within our building, for prototyping, manufacturing,
   or office work. 
 * **Guidance **from an experienced Manufacturing Mentor, chosen based on your most
   immediate technical needs (mechanics, electronics, software, hardware, etc)
 * **Connections** with regional and statewide resources for:
    - funding (grants, investors, and loans)
    - manufacturing referrals
    - business assistance
 * **Use of our address **as your legal business location.  
 * **Access to special pricing for **SOLIDWORKS, Fusion360, OnShape, and any other
   program that has offers for incubated startups.
 * **Innovate 518 Hotspot tax incentives** for eligable companies upon successful
   completion of the program
 * **100% ownership** of your product – we don’t ask for any equity in your business
 * **A defined scope of work** for the incubation period covering recommended prioritized
   actions, taking into account your project’s current status, goals, and timeline.
 * **Regular check-in meetings** with COG staff to provide feedback and advice on
   progress.

[Apply Here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjPXDTNfJFqoiGL003qYMxuLXu2igvctN98wp0gzGGWzGEWQ/viewform?usp=dialog)

### In-House Design for Manufacturing and Machining Services

![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20231109_171211-225x300.avif)

**In-House Fabrication Services**

Transitioning from a looks-like/works-like prototype to a manufacturable product
is a long process. Our in-house machinist, Alex, can help bridge that gap with design
consultation, prototyping, and fabrication services. Services are available by request.
Free initial consultation and special rates are offered for TVCOG Incubated Maker
and Professional Maker members!

We can also advise on local contract manufacturing resources, and help prep your
team to ensure your plan and prototype are prepared for a smooth, productive engagement.

[Request Assistance](https://tide-allspice-61b.notion.site/f41229503c734dfa845298c57197acab?pvs=105)

### In-House Industrial Design and Project Consulting

**Product Development through a Designer’s Lens**

Fun Stuff Design, led by Dierdre Shea and Julian Goldman, is ideally positioned 
to be your external internal design team.

Using their deep knowledge of manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials,
they can craft anything from marketing demos to validation prototypes, keeping the
end-user experience front of mind.

[View Services](https://funstuffdesign.com/services)

![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/funstuff_headshots.avif)

### Customized 1-on-1 Training & Professional Development

![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jeff-wigman-cnc-router-1024x768.
webp)

**Hardware is Hard.**

No matter where you end up on the scale of “internal production” to “contract manufacture,”
understanding how to make things is critical to the success of any hardware company.

We provide training on every piece of equipment that we offer, ensuring that your
team is fully equipped with the skills needed to build, learn, and iterate faster.

No need to wait for the next cohort – we’ll get you skilled up when you need it 
most.

[See Some of our Offerings](https://www.tvcog.net/private-classes/)