MAKE:GROW:FLOURISH

Call for Applications →
MAKE:GROW:FLOURISH
Craft Business Training Programme

The Craft Enterprise Business Training Programme for Craft Businesses from Across Europe

Programme duration: 25 April – 2 July 2024
Deadline for applications: 1 April

WCCE presents MAKE:GROW:FLOURISH, a comprehensive business training programme that understands the specific needs and challenges faced by Craft Enterprises seeking to expand and thrive within the competitive marketplace. The programme was designed by Caroline Jackman, the founder of Creative Business Growth. 

To foster a trusted environment this programme will offer a mix of workshops, group discussions, resources, writing and exercises all designed to help you construct a business plan. This programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to build a peer support network across Europe.

The training programme will be conducted in English. 30 places are available. Trainers will be from across Europe (meet the trainers here>>). In addition to the programme, you will be allocated 2 hours mentoring. This will be based upon your needs highlighted in your application form. Mentoring will take place once the programme has started.

There is no charge to participate in this training programme, however, we have provided the programme dates in advance, as we do expect those selected will be committed to attend and complete all elements of the training, including the creation of a business plan.

The weekly group meetings have been designed to support your learning throughout the programme and build peer support. You will be allocated a cohort group for these meetings.

The full timetable of dates and times for the workshops and group meetings can be seen at a glance here>>.

Who is the programme for?

• This programme is for those who can speak and understand English.
• This training is for craft enterprises based in Europe who are relatively new in business (between 1 & 4 years).
• You can be an emerging maker, a designer, a social enterprise or someone who is on their second career.
• You can produce products or artworks.
• We are looking for craft based enterprises, fine art painting, printmaking, film or photography is not applicable.
• We expect you would have gained some experience of selling your work.
• You are based in Europe.

What will you gain from this programme?

• A unique opportunity to build a peer support network across Europe.
• Tailored business training for craft enterprises.
• An opportunity to scrutinise your business and build achievable strategies.
• 1-2-1 support.

What is expected of you when applying?

• You must complete an application form.
• Please complete your answers in English.
• We expect you to demonstrate knowledge of the area your business is aimed at, for example, if your business is to sell crockery and provide workshops for ceramic enthusiasts, then we would expect you to tell us about this in your application.
• To tell us about your craft, where you make, what inspires you, who inspires you.
• To tell us about your business and tell us what our training can help you achieve.
• Upload 5 jpeg images of your work.
• Upload a short video description of you describing the vision of your enterprise.
• Deadline: Monday, 1 April 2024

Need support applying?

• You can nominate someone to help you complete your application form.
• We welcome video applications as an alternative to text.
• Click on this link for advice on photographing your work.

How do we choose participants?

• We have limited places, only 30 craft enterprises will be selected.
• We have an external panel who will shortlist.
• Shortlisting will be anonymised.
• We will be looking for quality in craftsmanship and the business idea.

What is expected of you for the training?

• To attend the induction session.
• To attend all 8 workshops done via Zoom (April – June 2024).
• To complete a 3-year business plan.
• To complete a short form following each workshop (this has been designed to help you complete your business plan).
• To do your own independent research and work to complement the course.
• To present your business plan at the reflection event.
• To attend the group discussions and specialist talks.
• To use the PDF workbook provided at the start of the training programme.
• To provide your feedback at the end of the programme about your experience.
• To be future ambassadors for the craft sector.

wcc-europe.org