Free Virtual Craft Business Summit

 

Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will partner with the WNC Regional Small Business Center Network to offer a free Virtual Craft Business Summit Monday, April 26, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This one-day virtual conference is specifically designed to address the needs and challenges faced by current and prospective craft artist business owners and creative entrepreneurs.

Arts-based businesses are unique ventures and require special business planning methods. This not-to-miss one-day regional event will provide you with the tools needed to move your business forward.

Sessions will include:

How to Start Selling Your Work on Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell products. It is now the leading e-commerce platform designed for all sized businesses. If you sell online, on social media, in a store, or out of the trunk of your car, Shopify has you covered in each situation. Whether you're opening a new online store or are interested in using Shopify as your e-commerce platform, find out more information about your options in this session.  

Boost Your Social Media by Engaging Followers & Friends

Engagement is one of the metrics social media uses to determine whether your content shows up in your followers' feeds. When your followers consistently comment and like your posts, social media sees it as a sign that they want to see more of your content. Building an audience that engages will lead to more followers and more sales.

How to Get Money for Your Artist Business

Looking for funds to start, grow, or maintain your business? Funding can come from a variety of sources, and the Western Women’s Business Center is here to help you understand the best options for you. In this seminar, we’ll review loans, grants, crowdfunding, and creative sales ideas to get the money you need to thrive.

Marketing with Pinterest for Creatives

Pinterest is a visual search engine, and unlike other social media channels, the content you post is evergreen. Pinterest is a great tool to market your work and products, leading to more brand awareness and sales. 

Five Things Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Know and Do Before Starting A Business

Making the decision to become an entrepreneur and starting a small business is not for everyone. It takes hard work, grit, and determination and can sometimes leave you confused and overwhelmed. At times, it can feel like you are taking steps backward, but success as a creative entrepreneur isn’t linear. This session will discuss five important steps to discovering if entrepreneurship is right for you.

How to Price Your Work

Many factors go into making your business profitable, but one of the key components is having a clear understanding of what your product actually costs to make and then pricing it effectively. This session will look into this complicated issue for every creative entrepreneur and help analyze the numbers and get you on the path to making money.

Top Instagram Strategies for Your Business

In this seminar, participants will learn TOP strategies that businesses and entrepreneurs are using TODAY that will help grow Instagram followers and take your audience engagement to the next level. Learn the BEST types of photos, videos, and content to post, as well as additional tips and strategies to make you look like a pro. Don't miss this information-packed class that is sure to take your Instagram Marketing to the NEXT level.

*Spanish session- Building and Keeping Good Credit to Help Find Funding for Your Business

Keeping and maintaining a strong personal credit score is vital for every small business owner in these challenging economic times. Lenders, landlords, and even suppliers can rely on your credit score to decide whether or not to work with you. That is why a good credit score has become a cherished asset to maintain and protect. This course focuses on the many factors that make up credit scoring and how to work towards increasing your credit rating. If you have issues with current or past credit relationships or have no credit at all, learn how to start building good credit today.

Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register today.

Thinking about starting a business in Haywood County or growing an existing business? Take advantage of the programs, services, and resources provided by the Small Business Center. The NC Community College's Small Business Center Network facilitates an economic impact in 90 percent of all NC counties each year and ranks number one in the U.S. for total business seminars and participants. In addition, the network helps start an average of over 700 businesses every year and works to create and retain 3,800 jobs annually for North Carolina. Visit ncsbc.net for more information.