More Than Just Makers Markets… Let's Talk Business!
When we started Support The Makers back in 2018, it was all about creating opportunities for independent makers and artists to showcase their work, meet customers and sell their lovely handmade products.
And while our Makers Markets are still a huge part of what we do, we've always wanted to offer a little more.
Because let's face it, running a creative business involves a LOT more than actually making things!
There's the marketing, social media, emails, websites, pricing, stock, accounts… the list goes on. And quite often you're doing it all yourself!
A snap from a recent workshop with Karen Bennett
A Little Something for the Makers!
This year, we've really focused on offering more business workshops to support our wonderful community of independent makers and artists.
From our Market Ready Masterclass to building your brand, getting ready for Christmas markets, making the most of your emails and mailing lists, and even exploring wholesale, we've been bringing together some brilliant people to share their knowledge and experience.
The idea is simple. Affordable, practical workshops with advice you can actually use in your business.
Nothing too corporate or complicated. Just useful tips, honest conversations, a chance to ask questions and hopefully leave feeling a little more confident!
And we've got some lovely workshops coming up!
What’s coming up!
Getting Ready for Christmas Markets
Thursday 22nd October | 7.00pm–9.00pm | Leith Makers, Edinburgh
Christmas market season is almost here, and we're delighted to have Jane Grant joining us to share her experience and some brilliant practical advice. We'll be looking at market displays, styling, preparing for the festive rush and those little things that can make a big difference on market day. Whether it's your first Christmas market or your tenth, there's always something new to take away!
Email Marketing and Professional Communication for Makers
Saturday 7th November | 9.00am–10.30am | Online
Emails. We all send them, we all receive them, but are we really making the most of them?
We're delighted to have Lauren Hunter from Unravel Business Support joining us for this practical online workshop. From writing emails that sound like you and setting boundaries, to building a mailing list and knowing what to actually send your subscribers, we'll be covering lots of useful bits. And as it's online, you can join us from home with a coffee. Perfect!
Get Wholesale Ready
Saturday 6th February 2027 | 9.30am–11.30am | Leith Makers, Edinburgh
And looking a little further ahead, we're really excited to have Alice from Melt Me Real Good joining us! If you've ever thought about getting your handmade products into independent shops but aren't quite sure where to start, this one's for you. We'll be chatting about wholesale pricing, approaching retailers and getting your business ready to take that next step.
Did we mention there’s treats?
A Little Time for Your Business
One of the things we've loved most about offering these workshops is seeing makers come together, share ideas and learn from each other.
Because sometimes it's just nice to step away from the making, packing orders and endless to-do lists and spend a couple of hours focusing on your business.
We also think it's really important to work with people who understand the realities of running a small business. People who've been there, tried things, made mistakes, learned along the way and are happy to share that experience with others.
And you absolutely don't need to have everything figured out before you come along!
Whether you're just starting out or have been running your creative business for years, we'd love to welcome you.
What Would You Like to Learn?
We've got lots more ideas bubbling away for next year, including a longer Canva workshop, more marketing tips and other practical sessions to help you grow your business.
But we'd love your input too!
Is there something you'd really like a workshop on? Something you've been struggling with or just haven't had the time to get your head around?
Pop us an email at hello@supportthemakersuk.com. We'd love to hear your suggestions!
For us, Support The Makers has always been about more than just organising Makers Markets. We want to support the people and small businesses behind all those lovely handmade products too.
And we're really looking forward to growing this side of Support The Makers!
Have a peek at our upcoming Makers Business Workshops
Carmen x