Businesses

FabLab can be used to support your business in various ways – from making branded artwork to t-shirts for employees.

Commercial activities can be prototyped and incubated in a FabLab, but they must not conflict with other uses and they are expected to benefit the inventors, labs, and networks that contribute to their success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use FabLab for to support my business?

Depending on what your business is, will depend on how FabLab can support it.

We work with businesses who use FabLab for making unique business cards, creating bespoke cake toppers, personalising t-shirts for events, creating prototype models, printing branded artwork and more.

How do I get trained to use FabLab to support my business?

If you would like to use FabLab to support your business you can book on to a ‘learn how to’ course. Our staff will provide training which will enable you to use the equipment and attend our drop-in sessions where you can pursue your business goal.

Once trained, you can book slots at our drop-in sessions which run:

• Wednesdays, 4pm-6pm
• Fridays, 10am-12pm

We can also offer more advanced sessions that show you greater functionality of the technology to support business based activities.

What is the cost of using FabLab to support my business?

‘Learn how to’ sessions are currently priced at £12.50 per person. Once trained, you will just need to pay to cover the cost of the material you use during the drop-in sessions.

I’m a new business – is there any extra support?

Our FabLab staff are here to support you with using the machines.

Where can I get further information on opening a business in South Tyneside?

Take a look at the South Tyneside Council website’s Starting Up In Business section.