12 Craft entrepreneurs will be selected to take part in the Crafted mentoring project. They will be mentored by one expert from the luxury industry, have access to a range of industry experts with specialist skills through the Crafted Advice Bank and attend a series of six workshops about key business skills such as strategic planning, marketing, IP and brand protection and trade and export.
Opportunities to profile and showcase the craft makers will also be provided, for example a Crafted stand at Decorex .
Crafted aims to foster a sense of entrepreneurialism and commerciality amongst craft businesses and give them a set of unique opportunities that will help them grow and develop their businesses.
Funded by the American Express Foundation, Crafted has been developed by Walpole and Arts & Business to enable emerging craft businesses to develop their business skills while connecting luxury businesses with a new generation of skilled craftsmen, and promoting the craft component in luxury in a fresh, contemporary and sustainable way.
Applicants will each need to complete an application form to be submitted to Rose Enright at Arts & Business by Wednesday 30 June 2010.