2026 Handmade Arcade Maker Education & Support Programs

2026 Maker Education & Support Program Sign-Up

Participants in the Maker Education & Support Programs must be 18 or older. These programs are open to all adult makers, not just those who have sold at our markets.

Please complete this form by January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST) to participate in these 2026 Maker Education & Support Programs.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
This is to confirm that you are 18 years or older.
Business Name*
Email*
example@example.com
Which of the following programs are you interested in joining? Select any/all of the options below to view program descriptions.*

Maker Mentor ProgramMaker Affinity GroupCrafted Conversations: Bimonthly Maker Education Series
Maker Mentor Program
The Maker Mentor Program matches emerging and experienced makers to share knowledge, build relationships, and support one another’s growth. Handmade Arcade team members will match mentors/mentees based on shared backgrounds, lived experiences, business goals, expertise, and more based on application responses.

Program Expectations:
- Attend the Maker Mentor Kick-Off Meeting on February 12 at 6:30 PM
- Connect with your assigned mentor/mentee at least once every other month
Please note that we will do our best to match every mentor applicant and every mentee applicant, but final matches will depend on receiving enough applications.
I'm interested in being:

MentoredA Mentor
What category best describes your work?
Please select the top three areas you'd like to grow in:

Feeling more confident about pricing, budgeting, or planning for marketsFinding better ways to source materials or manage productionImproving your booth setup or overall market presenceCreating or maintaining an online shopStrengthening your marketing or social media skillsGrowing your business in a sustainable way (time, staffing, or scaling)Supporting your mental health and personal well-being as a makerOther
We will do our best to pair you with a mentor whose background and lived experiences align with the areas you are interested in growing in. While we cannot guarantee an exact match, we will take your preferences into thoughtful consideration. Are there any identities or lived experiences you would prefer your mentor to share (for example: gender identity, race or ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ identity, disability, etc.)?
Please select any areas you feel confident supporting makers in:

Sharing guidance on pricing, budgeting, or planning for marketsOffering advice on sourcing materials or managing productionHelping makers improve their booth setup or market presenceOffering insight on creating or maintaining an online shopSharing marketing or social media knowledgeHelping makers think about sustainable business growth (time, staffing, or scaling)Supporting makers with their mental health and personal well-being as creativesOther
We will do our best to pair mentors and mentees based on shared experiences and the areas makers want to learn and grow in. While we cannot guarantee an exact match, we will keep your preferences in mind during the pairing process.Are there any identities or lived experiences you feel are important to share with a mentee (for example: gender identity, race or ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ identity, disability, etc.)?
Maker Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups bring together makers who share similar identities, experiences, or business goals for regular connection and peer support. These self-run groups are encouraged to meet quarterly to network, exchange ideas, and surface needs or concerns. Groups can also share periodic updates with HA staff, helping us stay informed and responsive to our maker community.

Program Expectations:
- Attend the Maker Affinity Group Kick-Off Meeting on February 26 at 6:30 PM
- Meet with your fellow Affinity Group members at least once per quarter
Current planned Affinity Groups requested by makers include LGBTQIA+ Makers, BIPOC Makers, Makers with Disabilities, & Women+ Makers. We are also seeking Affinity Group leads who will serve as liaisons between Affinity Groups & Handmade Arcade team members so we can be responsive to maker needs.
Please select the Maker Affinity Group you would like to participate in

BIPOC Maker Affinity GroupMakers with Disabilities Affinity GroupLGBTQIA+ Makers Affinity GroupWomen's+ Makers Affinity GroupOther
We are looking for liaisons to help lead each affinity group and periodically report to Handmade Arcade staff. Select any groups you would be interested in leading.

BIPOC Owned Affinity GroupMakers with Disabilities Affinity GroupLGBTQIA+ Owned Affinity GroupWomen's+ Makers Affinity GroupOther
Crafted Conversations: Bimonthly Maker Education Series
The Crafted Conversations Series is a virtual, bimonthly education series open to all makers. Each session will be taught by an experienced maker who will share their paths to success, practical insights, and lessons learned as they’ve navigated building their craft-based businesses.

Expectations for Speakers:
- Selected speakers will lead a 1.5 hour session on Zoom hosted by Handmade Arcade. Session presentations should last 45-60 minutes followed by a 15-20 minute Q&A with attending makers.
- Selected speakers will receive a $200 stipend.
- Topics should be specific to entrepreneurship in the craft industry - i.e. succeeding at markets, expanding to sell at out-of-state markets, successful customer engagement after markets, expanding to a brick-and-mortar store, etc.
Are you interested in leading a maker education session?

Yes, I'm interestedNo, not at this time
What topic are you interested in presenting on?
Are there any other year round maker programs you'd like to see from Handmade Arcade or feedback from our current selection?
Should be Empty:

2026 Maker Education & Support Program Sign-Up

Maker Mentor Program

Maker Affinity Groups

Crafted Conversations: Bimonthly Maker Education Series