craft your commerce Fall Workshops

Investing for Creatives

Your creativity is your greatest asset, and with the right financial knowledge, you can build a solid foundation that supports your artistic vision and paves the way for long-term success. Join us for an engaging and informative workshop series designed to equip creative business owners and entrepreneurs with valuable insights and practical tools. It is crucial to have a clear vision and well-defined strategies to navigate growth, manage assets, and effectively plan for transitions within your business. Whether you are in the beginning stages, or an established entrepreneur, this workshop series will provide you with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about the future of your creative business.

See the Workshops

Makers Mixer

Thursday, Sept. 7, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St., Asheville, NC 28801

Join us on Thursday,September 7th from 5-7 p.m., for an informal, in-person gathering of artists and creatives from the Western North Carolina region. This is a relaxed networking event that will begin with a brief introduction and presentation to provide a glimpse of the upcoming 2023 Fall Craft Your Commerce workshop series Investing for Creatives. Join us for a free and fun evening of socializing, light bites, and beverages. Lex Turnbull will be joining us to deliver a fun and informational zine making workshop. This is an in-person event held at the Center for Craft.

All Access Pass: $30 for Four Workshops

Sept. 12 – 26
Virtual via Zoom

The All Access Pass registers you for all four workshops at a discounted rate of $30. All workshops will be recorded and shared with participants if you are unable to make it to the live workshop.
Please note that Foundations for Creatives is not included in this package.

How to Thrive in a Recession
(When You Are Self Employed)

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Hannah Cole
Virtual via Zoom

There’s been talk of a looming recession, and seemingly much to fear: inflation, interest rates, bank failures. But do you need to panic? In short: no. Recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle, and they can actually open doors both for investing and for growing your small business. But it’s important to address the scary parts, and know how to mitigate them. Join Hannah Cole for an empowering class on shoring up your personal finances to stay protected during an economic downturn, and to learn ways that you can position your business for surviving and even thriving in a recession.

Securing Loans: An Open Conversation & Guide

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2 – 4:00 p.m
Presenter(s): Michael Lane + Panelists
Virtual via Zoom

Obtaining a loan for property, equipment or growth can be a complex process. In this session, we will break down the steps involved in securing a loan, including evaluating your financial readiness, preparing loan documentation, understanding loan options, and navigating the application process. You will gain practical tips and strategies to increase your chances of success when deciding to apply for a loan. We will also have an open conversation with creatives who have secured loans to grow their business, we will discuss the challenges, the growth they experienced and other thoughts about getting business loans from people who have done it!

Get Organized: Bookkeeping, Profitability, and Financial Planning

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2 – 4:00 p.m
Presenter(s): Deanna Lynch
Virtual via Zoom

In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, creating profit and loss statements, and organizing your finances to make informed decisions for your business’s next steps.

Key Workshop Topics:

Good Bookkeeping Practices: Learn the basics of bookkeeping, including proper record-keeping, categorizing expenses, and tracking income.
Profitability Analysis: Discover how to create a profit and loss statement, analyze financial data, and make strategic decisions to enhance profitability.
Financial Organization: Gain insights into organizing your finances efficiently, including creating a budget, managing cash flow, and implementing effective systems.

Strategies for Sustainable Expansion & Succession Planning

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2 – 4:00 p.m
Presenter(s): Chris Grasinger + Panelists
Virtual via Zoom

Transitioning out of your business or selling a part of your business can be a complex process. This session will provide guidance on preparing your business for sale, including valuation methods, legal considerations, and marketing strategies. We will also address succession planning, exploring options such as transferring ownership to family members, employee owned, or seeking external buyers. Gain insights into maximizing the value of your business and ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Succession Planning and Business Continuity

Identifying potential successors and planning for leadership transitions
Establishing a comprehensive succession plan and exit strategy
Ensuring business continuity and preserving company values

Foundations for Creatives

Tuesdays Weekly, Oct. 3 – Nov. 14*, 6 – 8:00 p.m
Presenter(s): Deanna Lynch
Virtual via Zoom

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing creative entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

*No class session 10/31

Scholarships

Limited financial need based scholarships are available. To apply for a scholarship please continue to this form.

About Craft Your Commerce

Craft Your Commerce is a Mountain BizWorks entrepreneurial program designed to connect, elevate and advance creative and craft-centered companies through a series of business training workshops and classes designed by makers for makers.