2025-26 Maker Mentor Program Application Logo

  • Maker Mentor Program Application

    Handmade Arcade is excited to launch our new Maker Mentor Program, developed in direct response to feedback from the maker community. This program is designed to foster connection, share knowledge, and provide meaningful support between makers at different stages of building and growing their creative businesses.

    Participants will be matched based on career stage, shared values, craft medium (when possible), and flexibility for virtual or in-person meetings. Matches will be announced in early October, with the program running through March 2026. Mentor-mentee pairs will meet monthly on their own schedules based on availability, and will be guided with prompts and topic suggestions to offer structure, support, and direction throughout the program.

    Program Timeline Highlights:

    • September 5, 2025: Application deadline by 11:59pm EST
    • September 6 – 26, 2025: matching phase of applicants
    • October 2025 – March 2026: Initial Introductions + Monthly Meetups (topics will ultimately be defined by each mentor-mentee pairing, but can include: holiday season market prep, business resilience, goal setting, sales strategies, and more)

    The responses you share in this application will help the Handmade Arcade team to create intentional pairings and guide the development of program materials tailored to participants’ needs.

    We estimate that completing this application will take 30–40 minutes. Your application cannot be saved, so we recommend you prepare your answers on a saved document and then complete this application in one sitting. We recommend you review our Maker Mentor info page and FAQ's section for more details.

    Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and goals - we’re excited to build this new opportunity for learning, connection, and community with you.

     If you have questions, please email makers@handmadearcade.org. 

  • Thank you for your interest in the Maker Mentor program. At this time, we are only accepting current makers. We define a current maker as actively participating in shows in the 12 months before or after submitting this application (or actively applying or planning to apply for shows in the next 12 months). If you do not meet those guidelines, you are not eligible for this program. 

    For maker support and education, please visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/maker-support.

    • Mentor Questions 

    • Mentor Knowledge & Comfort Ranking

      As a mentor in the Maker Mentor Program, you'll be supporting a fellow maker through guidance, shared experiences, and practical advice. We understand that every mentor has unique strengths, so we'd like to learn more about where you feel most confident contributing.

    • Goals for Participating

      Please provide answers to the following questions to help us better understand your goals and match you with the right fit for this program.
    • Mentee Questions 

    • Mentee Support & Concern Ranking

      As a mentee in the Maker Mentor Program, you’ll be learning alongside an experienced maker who can offer insight, encouragement, and practical guidance. We know every maker’s journey is different, so we’d like to learn more about the areas where you’re most seeking support and growth.

    • Goals for Participating

      Please provide answers to the following questions to help us better understand your goals and match you with the right fit for this program.
    • Business Info 

    • Headshot & Bio

      If you have them, please submit your headshot and bio below. This information will be shared with your match for the Maker Mentor Program. Thank you! 
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    • Demographic Information (Optional)

      One of Handmade Arcade's strategic plan initiatives is to diversify the makers, attendees, and contractors that participate in all of our programs and services. We invite applicants to share their demographic information so we can better understand if we are succeeding in these goals. The following demographic questions are optional, and responses will be kept private and secure.
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