FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2017
GOODWILL LAUNCHES ETSY STORE TO HELP
ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES SELL THEIR PRODUCTS
The Makers’ Market at Goodwill Etsy Store Begins Operations Jan. 31
Harrison, NJ – Individuals with disabilities who have faced challenges in seeking traditional employment have found new entrepreneurial opportunities at their local Makerspace.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. Goodwill® Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ, Inc. will officially launch Makers’ Market at Goodwill, a store on Etsy that will sell the merchandise that entrepreneurs with disabilities design and produce at the agency’s Makerspace located at its Harrison, NJ headquarters. Make Your Job!” is a program funded by the Kessler Foundation that offers training and access to equipment for individuals with disabilities who want to start their own business. The Center for Innovation Education from Rutgers University provides technical support for Make Your Job! program. Address is 400 Supor Boulevard; Harrison, NJ 07029
“We are delighted to launch Makers Market at Goodwill, our own store on Etsy, to offer entrepreneurs with disabilities an online alternative to sell their products to jump-start their own business. We are grateful to the Kessler Foundation, the Rutgers NJ Makerspace Association, and the Center for Innovation Education at Rutgers University for their support to offer business opportunities for individuals with disabilities and to create more inclusive communities.”
Katy Gaul-Stigge, Goodwill NYNJ President and CEO
Makerspaces are community centers that house prototyping and fabrication tools geared toward innovators, entrepreneurs, and micro-manufacturers. Makerspace participants have access to creative technology including 3D printers and laser cutters, interactive classes to learn how to use the equipment, and a vibrant atmosphere spurring creativity.
The general public may contribute to the project by: Donating high tech equipment for the project, providing consultation and/or hands-on training site for students, offering resources to support our entrepreneurs in selling merchandise, or becoming a funder to enhance and expand the Makerspace project. For more information on how to get involved or support Goodwill’s Makerspace, please contact Goodwill NYNJ Northern Division Senior VP Lori Friedman at lfriedman@goodwillnynj.org
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of the network of 165 agencies of Goodwill Industries International, each with a designated region. Goodwill NYNJ is a social enterprise with a broad range of services to support people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain self-sufficiency through the power of work.
Each year, Goodwill NYNJ provides services and assistance to thousands of Northern New Jersey and New York residents, helping them become work-ready so they can build better lives for themselves and their families.
Learn more about Goodwill NYNJ at www.goodwillnynj.org
CONTACT:
Karen Means
Executive Vice President, External and Internal Affairs, Development
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.
Phone: (718) 777-6326 / kmeans@goodwillnynj.org