Another fun day at The Toolbox! This afternoon, we started assembling our cross laminated timber (CLT) prototype. With this prototype, we will be testing full systems integrations with electrical, plumbing, and other components.
We will post updates as we continue to construct or prototype.
The Toolbox was featured in the latest segment of KXLY's Made In The Northwest. Derek Deis from KXLY visited The Toolbox on Tuesday and had the opportunity to check out some of our latest projects and companies being facilitated here.
To watch the video, please visit KXLY's website here. Thank you Derek and KXLY for coming down and learning more about all of the innovation happening in Spokane's University District.
Last Wednesday night, The Toolbox hosted our second pitch panel, which included six different presentations from local entrepreneurs at our location at the McKinstry Innovation Center. Each inventor was given five minutes to present their startup concept and demonstrate their prototype, followed by a question & answer segment. We had the opportunity to hear from the creators of the following companies:
1) Xcraft, A phone drone company.
2) Modpod, A container-based housing company.
3) Sonic Decanter, A device that makes wine taste better.
4) CDA Sports, A durable inflatable surfboard.
5) HyperSciences, A new revolutionary piece of drilling equipment.
6) Moto-Trax, A motorcycle-snowmobile hybrid.
Although these inventions are in various stages of development, it was great seeing some of the emerging entrepreneurs in our community pitch their concepts and prototypes. It’s amazing to see all of innovation happening right here in Spokane. The Toolbox loves being part of the innovation hub that is the University District. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this event and we are looking forward to our next pitch panel in the near future.
Young Entrepreneur Power (YEP) is a program that is specifically designed to provide small loans to young people with a business dream. YEP is ran by a collaborative effort with The Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council, SNAP, Spokane Federal Credit Union, and a group of experienced volunteers to help young entrepreneurs fund their business ventures.
The program offers micro-enterprise business loans of $300 to $2,500 to qualifying young people. Loans are awarded to applicants who present effective, compelling and financially feasible business plans for their startup or expanding an existing business.
To learn more about this amazing program, please visit YEP’s website.
Applications for The Toolbox's second Pitch Panel are due Monday, February 29th. We will select 5-7 inventors to pitch their prototypes/products to a group of potential investors and local supporters. We are looking for products in various stages of growth and production, so don't hesitate to
To learn more or to submit your application, visit the Pitch Panel page.
