Born out of a growing partnership with Etsy, the global online marketplace, our Maker Council has developed a year-long series of programs, workshops and networking events designed to build an informed and collaborative City, one that fully embraces the maker movement. After hosting an inaugural Maker Summit attended by nearly 400, and having been designated the first Etsy Maker City in the United States, the Maker Council is looking to build on each year’s successes, cementing our region’s status as THE place to make in Tennessee.

MAY 2016 | ETSY MAKER CITY SUMMIT | BROOKLYN, NY

Operating under the banner of MakeKnox (now The Maker City), a small team from Knoxville was invited to attend Etsy’s Inaugural Maker City Summit in Brooklyn, New York. The team included a local maker, retailer, and KEC staffer to represent the City. They joined 12 other cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Little Rock and Memphis to discuss new ideas and best practices in revitalizing rural and urban spaces through creative entrepreneurship, public policy, redefining manufacturing, and maker spaces. They left knowing that they needed to host a similar event in Knoxville, bringing together micro-businesses, manufacturers, and city officials in the same room.

SEPT 19, 2016 | MAYOR’S SUMMIT ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP | KNOXVILLE, TN

Mayor Rogero convened local and regional officials, civic leaders and entrepreneurs for a conversation on “Rethinking Economic Development” to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The Summit was sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation in association with the City of Knoxville and Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. The Kauffman Foundation is the world’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study and advancement of entrepreneurship.

SEPT 19, 2016 | MAKE KNOX SUMMIT | KNOXVILLE, TN

The Knoxville Maker City Summit brought together makers, artists, developers, manufacturers, city officials, and entrepreneurs for a day of dialogue about how to create a stronger maker community. Alongside Etsy, whose industry leading online platform is driving creative entrepreneurship and manufacturing policies around the world, makers from throughout the region took part in a series of interactive panel discussions about maker spaces, growing a business and creative manufacturing. Sugarlands’ Brent Thompson emceed the entire Summit, facilitating discussions about what makes Knoxville the perfect “Maker City”, and what could make it even better. Attended by nearly 400 people, the Etsy Maker City Summit kicked off Innov865 Week, a week-long series of events that has become Knoxville’s signature gathering of entrepreneurs, creatives and investors.

MAYOR ROGERO & ETSY OFFICIALLY PROCLAIM KNOXVILLE AN ‘ETSY MAKER CITY’

Joined by Etsy representatives and The Maker City team, Mayor Rogero officially proclaimed Knoxville an ‘Etsy Maker City’, the first such award by Etsy to a city in the US, and then announced the formation of Knoxville’s first-ever Mayor’s Maker Council. Etsy Maker Cities pair strong municipalities that value entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible manufacturing with the creative and innovative spirit of the Etsy community. The result? Empowered micro-businesses, strengthened local economies, and collective commitments to change how we buy, sell, and create goods. Etsy is an online marketplace where people around the world connect, both online and offline, to make, sell and buy unique goods. Through the Etsy Maker Cities program, Etsy champions a new model for economic prosperity, one that promotes sustainable production and empowers people to build creative businesses on their own terms.

DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

Following the Etsy designation, The Maker City initiative gained considerable traction. The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is as a central figure in supporting the Maker City. KEC provides essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to local makers, helping them to grow their businesses and reach wider audiences.

The community’s growth is marked by regular events such as workshops, networking opportunities, and the annual Maker City Summit. These events showcase the diverse talents and products of Knoxville’s makers, attracting both local and regional attention.

COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION

The Maker City thrives on collaboration. Partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions play a crucial role in the initiative’s success. These collaborations aimed to promote innovation, sustainability, and economic development within the community.

Local government and civic organizations also play a key role by creating policies and providing funding that supports the growth of the maker community. This multi-faceted support system ensures that The Maker City is not just a fleeting trend but a sustainable and integral part of Knoxville’s economic and cultural landscape.

IMPACT AND RECOGNITION

Over the years, The Maker City has received numerous accolades and recognition for its efforts to foster a vibrant creative economy. The initiative has not only contributed to the local economy but has also helped to build a sense of community and identity among Knoxville’s residents.

The success of The Maker City has made Knoxville a model for other cities looking to nurture their own creative economies. The initiative’s emphasis on local craftsmanship, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire similar movements across the country.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The Maker City remains committed to supporting local makers and entrepreneurs. Plans for expanding resources, enhancing collaborations, and increasing public engagement are constantly being developed to ensure that Knoxville remains at the forefront of the Maker Movement.

The Maker City is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. From its early beginnings to its current status as a thriving hub of creatives, it stands as an example of how cities can harness the talents and passions of their residents to build a brighter future.