SMARTstart and AmSkills to Host First-Ever Pasco Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp

August 12, 2024

The week-long program will help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into products.

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (August 12, 2024) — The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, has partnered with AmSkills to host a Pasco Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp. The five-day bootcamp will take place from September 23-27, 2024, and is designed for entrepreneurs who have a business idea they want to bring to life. Throughout the five days, attendees will be taught how to use laser cutters and engravers, additive manufacturing equipment (3D printing), CNC machining, and learn about patenting and go-to-market strategies. After completion of the bootcamp, participants will receive a “LabPass” which will allow them access to labs and workshops where they will be able to utilize the manufacturing equipment to create their product.

"We are so thrilled to bring this opportunity to inventors and creators in Pasco County to learn how to utilize manufacturing equipment with our partners at AmSkills," shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. "Sometimes the main roadblock a person faces in opening a business is the first step and this program will give them not only business perspective, but a real tangible product that can help them launch and grow." 

The Pasco EDC entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, is Penny for Pasco supported and features an innovative suite of programs that provides the tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas like funding, education, guidance, collaboration, and workspace. The newest SMARTstart incubator location is co-located at AmSkills Innovation Center and features dedicated desks, coworking space, a co-working lounge, and more. This bootcamp provides AmSkills and SMARTstart the opportunity to further collaborate and give entrepreneurs access to the state-of-art manufacturing equipment in the rest of the facility.

“Supporting our local entrepreneurs and innovators is key to fostering a vibrant and thriving community,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “This collaboration between SMARTstart and AmSkills represents a significant step forward in expanding Pasco County’s role in high-tech manufacturing and creating new opportunities for growth and success.”

“We are very excited to partner with SMARTstart Pasco to offer our first Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp that will expose entrepreneurs to the latest technologies in prototyping to bring product ideas to fruition. This bootcamp will help these and future entrepreneurs address technical challenges by developing solutions that will help expand Pasco County’s high tech manufacturing footprint,” shared Tyler Mudano, Project Manager, AmSkills.

Ryan Neil is leading the bootcamp and is also participating as a fellow entrepreneur with an invention he is looking to create. Neil studied Architecture Design at St. Petersburg College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom and is currently the Co-Founder/CEO of Collective Form, a comprehensive urban planning and collaboration platform.

“Air quality affects us all, leading to respiratory issues and reduced productivity. And while the Air Quality Index is useful, it lacks granularity,” stated Ryan Neil, Co-Founder/CEO, Collective Form. “At the Pasco Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp, I’m excited to develop my skills alongside participants to build and test a prototype for a personal air sensor, driving innovation in air quality monitoring.”

The cost of the bootcamp is $545 per participant and lunch is included. The bootcamp will take place at AmSkills Innovation Center, located at 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday FL 34690. To learn more about the bootcamp and to register, please visit www.pascoedc.com/events/details/pasco-rapid-prototyping-bootcamp.   

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About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida's most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses, that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential.  Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.  Discover more at www.pascoedc.com.