Market Readiness Program

The Market Readiness Program (MRP) is a unique, 5-day online training program tailored specifically to artisan business owners. This program will provide you all the tools you need to run a successful handmade business. At the end of the program, you will walk away with a concrete plan that you have created to achieve the goals you have set for your business. Whether you want to access new international markets, grow your presence within your country, or just grow your knowledge in how to run a business, this program is for you!

All presentations are hosted by artisan industry experts. Presentations include:

• US Market Overview

• Global Consumer & Trends

• Intro to Artisan Product Development & Design

• Costing & Pricing for Profit

• Intro to Artisan Marketing

• Market and Sales Channels Overview

• Building Customer Relations

We will also host 2 panels:

• MRP Alumni Panel

• Buyer Panel

No. This is a training and networking event, and not a sales opportunity. You WILL however, have a chance to network with other artisan businesses, including artisan producers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, and US based artisan importers.

This program is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the artisan sector and running a successful business. We welcome:

• International Artisan Brands

• Artisan Producers

• Artisan Exporters & Importers

• Designers

• USA-Based retailers and Brands

• Leadership Members of Craft-Based Enterprises

• International Development Professionals

• Individuals and students interested in the artisan sector

Not sure if this program is for you? Feel free to email hannahk@creativelearning.org

Registration is now closed but feel free to join our waitlist HERE.

Unfortunately, we do not have any available scholarships. However, if you know or find someone who wants to sponsor you, you can download and send them this information sheet HERE.

YES! If you have a group of 5+ people, you can get a discount in your ticket price! Email laurenb@creativelearning.org for more information and download the information sheet HERE.

Yes! There will be a discount code for those who sign up early when registration opens. In the meantime, join our waitlist HERE.

If you purchase a ticket with Small Group Coaching, you'll be matched with an expert Mentor with industry experience and five to six peers in the artisan sector. You'll have a chance to discuss your personal challenges and goals, get product and market feedback, discuss the MRP topics and how they apply to you, and learn from your peers during 5 one-hour coaching sessions held on Zoom in breakout rooms. By the end of the coaching sessions, you'll create concrete goals and an action plan to move your business forward.

We understand you can't always attend for the entire time! This is why you will have exclusive access to all of the recorded videos for 6 months following the program, and you can re-watch unlimited number of times.

You will have exclusive access to all of the recorded videos for 6 months after the program ends, and you can re-watch unlimited number of times.

Yes! Most of our MRP alumni come from around the world. We know that your time zone might not be ideal for you, which is why we offer exclusive recorded video access for 6 months after the program ends.

Here's a quote from one of our 2018 Alumni from India, "After the MRP, we gained confidence in how our products stand in the market outside India. Since then, we have done two trade shows- in London and In Germany. We now stock at four stores across London and one in Germany with the market gradually opening up to us!"

— Vasanthi Veluri, MRP Alumni 2018, India

Yes! We have some amazing alumni who are based in the US looking for best practices in artisan sourcing, understanding how to start a global artisan brand, or to connect with global artisan partners.

Yes! The MRP is designed to give you a big picture view of the global artisan sector and exactly what it takes to be successful. If you're a student, NGO, international development professional, or just a passionate person interested in getting involved in the global artisan sector, the MRP will connect you to a network and give you great insight into the tools an artisan business needs to go global.

Just take it from one of our alumni, "The Market Readiness Program is singlehandedly the best program I could have invested in to further my career in the artisan industry. The wealth of knowledge that I gained, the invaluable connections that I met, and the experiences I made are all what has gotten me to where I am today. I will forever be thankful for Aid to Artisans!"

— Madison Pease, MRP Alumni 2018, USA

Yes. The homework is designed to help you take what you'll learn and apply it to your work, so we strongly encourage you to plan some time each day after the live workshop to work on the exercises.

Yes! After you attend the MRP, or once you watch all of the videos (if you are unable to attend some of the live training), you will get a Market Readiness Program Certificate of Completion and join our amazing network of Alumni!

Accede al MRP en español AQUÍ.