Facilitated by Michael Peterson and Laura Helgert
This virtual, weekly, six-week course will take you through the process of writing a grant application. Participants should be prepared to work on a specific application. In addition to course meetings (via Zoom), there will be approximately 2 to 4 hours of independent work required each week.
May 25th
Presentation: Overview of what a marketing plan is. Questions to generate deeper thought for each participant into their motivations behind running their craft business and their short and mid-term goals, leading to insight into marketing strategies that reflect these "whys."
Homework: Research competitors as inspiration/insight; review 2-3 competitors - their websites, their social media, how they package and market their products - and make note of strategies that can be incorporated into your business and marketing.
June 1st
Opening discussion: Each participant presents on their competitor research and insights they have gained into their own practice.
Presentation: Overview of market research strategies and NAICS codes; discussion of how to research NAICS codes with the support of Square One.
Homework: Participants contact Square One to figure out their NAICS code and receive market research information for their sector.
June 8th
Guest Presenter: TBA
Presentation: Translating market research into a marketing plan.
Homework: Participants begin sketching out and rough-drafting ideas for their marketing plan.
June 15th
Opening discussion: Participants share their marketing plan sketches and rough drafts.
Presentation: We will discuss as a group strategies for developing a marketing plan outline, including: where to promote, how you are going to promote your products, how many products you want to promote for this launch, and the types of products/packages you will be promoting.
Homework: Participants work on their marketing plans.
June 22nd
Discussion: Refinement of marketing plans with group and individual feedback.
Homework: Participants finalize their marketing plans.
June 29th
Guest Presenter: TBA
Final Presentation: Participants pitch their marketing proposals and receive feedback from the Guest Presenter, Laura and Michael, and each other.
Given the challenging times we are in there is no charge for SCC members to participate in this course. "Professional Practices" is a program of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, with funding support from Creative Saskatchewan. This course is only available to members of the Saskatchewan Craft Council.