Three Antioch-area businesses have launched Antioch Made, a pilot makerspace initiative funded in part by the City of Antioch's Work Together Fund. The program uses 3D printing as an entry point into manufacturing, teaching people to prototype, build with their hands, and develop skills that lead to employment in a growing local industry.
The goal is to establish a community makerspace where people of all ages and backgrounds can collaborate and learn together, starting with 3D printing and expanding to accommodate more trade and manufacturing skills over time – including CNC machines, laser cutting and engraving, torch work, woodshop, textiles, art, engineering, and computer programming.
The Fund
Antioch was one of 12 cities chosen nationwide for the National League of Cities' Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program, backed by the Gates Foundation. The six-month program, which also offers expert guidance, aims to expand, test, and implement economic mobility strategies at the local level. NLC has worked with over 20 municipalities over the past two years, providing more than $350,000 in awards, coaching, and peer-learning opportunities.
With the grant, Antioch launched the Work Together Fund to nurture collaborative problem-solving toward job creation among small businesses. Applicants received technical assistance through the Antioch Business Collaborative, a city initiative that supports local businesses through advisory services, workshops, training, and access to capital.
A total of $20,000 was awarded to selected teams ($5,000–$10,000 per team). All grant funds must be spent by June 1, 2026. Antioch's participation also has the potential to leverage additional funding for the city's economic mobility efforts.
As reported by the Mercury News, Mayor Ron Bernal said the grant "will help us strengthen pathways to economic mobility and drive long-term growth for our community."
The Team
Antioch Made brings together a makerspace, a local advertising agency, and a family-owned business – each contributing a different piece of the program:
- Pestec (Luis Agurto Jr., Project Lead) anchors the initiative with facilities and funding. Pestec is a family-owned business founded by Luis's father in 1985, rooted in the Antioch community for over 30 years. Luis leads the program, coordinates across all partners, and brings Pestec's education mission and community connections to the project.
- Steward Advertising (Joshua Mendez Valdez, Outreach & Brand) handles community outreach, recruitment, and brand identity for the initiative, connecting the program to local creatives and businesses. Joshua runs Antioch.town, one of the most popular local brands in Antioch for community events and news.
- Maker Pub (Myk Klemme, Curriculum & Instruction) is the makerspace brand behind the training and equipment. Myk develops curriculum, provides equipment access, and delivers hands-on instruction in 3D printing, design, and fabrication. The long-term goal is to establish a permanent makerspace in Antioch and expand into more manufacturing trades as the program grows.
The Program
The pilot runs from January through May 2026. Public classes and workshops launch in March, with a final showcase in May where participants present what they've built. The program covers 3D printing and fabrication, digital design, selling what you make, and building a portfolio of real projects.
No prior experience is required. The program is open to beginners, career changers, and anyone in the Antioch area who wants to learn hands-on skills. People who invest in building these skills unlock future opportunities right here in Antioch – some may start a business selling locally made products, others may join the workforce with hands-on experience employers are looking for.
Learn more at maker-pub.com/partnerships/antioch-made.