Penland School of Craft has announced new scholarships for 2022 and is making changes to make their scholarships more accessible. They’ve made the following changes to their application process:
The application fee has been reduced to $5, images are no longer required for most scholarships, and letters of recommendation are no longer required.
In addition, they’ve added a new Kent McLaughlin Scholarship for Working Potters. This scholarship will cover the full cost of a Penland workshop, in any studio on campus, and grant a stipend of $1,000.00 a week to offset time away from working studio production for a full-time potter. Details here.
Deadline: February 17th for Summer 2022!
More application details here.
https://penland.org/workshops/scholarships/summer-scholarship-information/
Squarespace shares some tips for overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a small business owner. Whether you’re a new creative business owner or not, the three tips they share here are helpful and simple to tackle.
https://www.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-overcome-impostor-syndrome-while-launching-your-business
For North Carolina based artists, Our State Magazine is hosting their annual showcase of goods made in (you guessed it) their state. Submit your work in one of these categories — Craft, Drink, Food, Home & Garden, or Style — by August 16.
https://www.ourstate.com/madeinnc/
Each year, Garden & Gun celebrates the region’s talented artisans, creative makers, small-business owners, and other entrepreneurs with its annual Made in the South Awards. Apply in one of the awards’ six categories—Food, Drink, Home, Style, Outdoors, or Crafts—from now until July 1. Visit their site for information about each category and the judges.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern on July 1, 2021
Note: There is an entry fee of $75. To take advantage of the $50 discounted rate, apply by 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2021.
https://gardenandgun.com/made-in-the-south-awards/
Squarespace tackles the question of how to create a newsletter – and whether you need to in this step by step guide. This is a very helpful read if you’ve been considering adding a newsletter or working to improve your communication with an existing email list.
https://www.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-create-a-newslette
Greenville, SC-based GCCA is currently seeking proposals for Summer Session I from May 31 - July 2 and Summer Session II from July 12 - August 13. Proposals can be submitted for five-week classes; one-, two-, or three-day live workshops; and 60-90 minute virtual workshops.
Deadline: Thursday, March 25 at 5:00 pm.
https://www.artcentergreenville.org/instructorproposals
Sometimes good press is all about finding the right person to share your story with. That’s where Amy Flurry’s bi-annual media list is helpful. Author of the book Recipe for Press, Amy and her team compile and share an up-to-date list of contacts at major media outlets twice a year. The latest list includes over 1275 editors and freelance writers and their email contacts and social media links in the areas of Lifestyle, Fashion, Interior Design, Food, and Travel.
If getting press coverage is a 2021 business goal, this Media & Editor List is worth your consideration.
https://amyflurry.com/recipe-for-press-2020/recipe-for-press-2021-media-list/?mc_cid=827abd8b7f&mc_eid=[f6398a72a0]
Thoughts on the Big Cartel blog about what the 2020 holiday shopping season could have in store for small business owners. Their article addresses specific challenges like filling more online orders, planning for longer shipping times, and the potential for higher return rates.
https://blog.bigcartel.com/what-the-2020-holiday-shopping-season-has-in-store
Find expert guidance in “Self Made,” a Creative Curriculum video series produced by Squarespace in partnership with CCNYC. Helpful topics include networking, strategy, funding, brand building and more.
https://www.squarespace.com/blog/tag/black-entrepreneurship
A one-day virtual online business summit from American Express. This is their ninth year hosting Business Class LIVE: Summit for Success. The virtual programming allows you can safely connect with fellow business owners, learn from industry experts, and get inspired. Register by 10/16/20.
When: October 20, 2020
9:00am–5:00pm ET
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/
Each quarter, Greenville-based FUEL selects a local non-profit organization in need of marketing assistance and provides up to $10,000 in marketing services at no charge. Applicants are required to be based in Greenville County, hold a valid 501(c)(3) certification, and have an identifiable need for marketing assistance.
Apply or nominate a non-profit organization. Deadline is September 8, 2020
https://whosonthemove.com/fuel-accepting-grant-applications-from-greenville-non-profits-for-pro-bono-services/
This in-depth checklist from the South Carolina Small Business Development Center can help you determine the health of your business and what the best plan of action is moving forward.
https://67054e42-1093-4b5b-9b78-83b6dac9c7dd.filesusr.com/ugd/41acff_9708ac2f1865465d94b04875d42bd398.pdf
Craft Industry Alliance has put together some information about offering and implementing curbside pickup at your business. Helpful for anyone looking to adapt by offering alternative options for local shoppers.
https://craftindustryalliance.org/how-to-offer-curbside-pickup-service-for-your-business/
Four organizations providing professional support and resources for women. From mentorship opportunities to job connections, fellowship programs and financial assistance, CNBC Make It has created a list of four organizations that are doing their part to ensure women remain connected to today’s workforce.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/29/4-organizations-offering-coronavirus-support-and-resources-to-women-in-need.html
A nice writeup from our friends at Brains on Fire, sharing a few lessons learned from working from home.
https://medium.com/brainsonfire/work-in-the-time-of-covid-lessons-learned-wfh-e4f72aa6d06a
Brought to you by the Taylors Business Association, Ariel Turner, Public Relations Supervisor for FerebeeLane, talks about PR considerations for small businesses. You can submit questions ahead of time or just join the Zoom call.
Thursday, May 21, 11 am EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdu6qqj4oH9esTwPX7JQEhbh9xZe3m6t2?mc_cid=8025d0030b&mc_eid=fcb6cefc2a
From the Event Safety Alliance, a reopening guide for event coordinators and professionals. A comprehensive 30-page document compiled by event industry professionals to help peers who are planning to reopen during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide
