BUSINESS OF CRAFT: Microcredential Program (Online)
This program has been developed in partnership with Nova Scotia Community College and includes three (3) 10-hour modules with topics such as business fundamentals, financial sustainability, funding and investment, as well as communication and marketing. The program is designed with specific focus on the craft sector and taught by experienced educators and practitioners. Programs are developed to enable craftspeople to work on their own schedule and pace, with the support of an experienced instructor.
Modules
- Module 1: Business Fundamentals and Financial Sustainability ( Feb 26th – March 15th, 2024)
- Module 2: Funding, Investment and Sector Grant Applications (March 18th – April 5th, 2024)
- Module 3: Storytelling, Communication and Marketing (April 8th – April 26th, 2024)
Click here to register for The Business of Craft program
$506.00* ( including $66.00 HST)
Please note: In order to receive an official Microcredential in the Business of Craft from Nova Scotia Community College and Craft Nova Scotia, you MUST register for and successfully complete of all 3 modules within the Business of Craft program.
Module 1: Business Fundamentals and Financial Sustainability
Dates: Feb 26th – March 15th, 2024
Instructor: Funmilayo Odeniyi of Michnat Fashion
Click here to register for Module 1: Business Fundamentals and Financial Sustainability
$287.50 (including $37.50 HST)
Estimated time required: 10 hours
Week 1
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous (on your own)
- 1 hr Synchronous (Engaging with Instructor and other participants)
Week 2
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
Week 3
- 2 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
During this module we will:
- Re-visit the fundamentals of business training with an eye on current best practices and emerging business trends.
- Provide a brief introduction to the Business of Craft in Nova Scotia & the Craft Sector
- Refresh fundamental business practices key to financial sustainability
- Look at market trends, research, business planning and adaption to changing sector/market demands
- Review wholesale, consignment, export, contracts & intellectual property
- Explore business tools, technology & online platforms/supports
About Funmilayo Odeniyi, Michnat Fashion
Funmilayo Odeniyi’s describes herself as wife, mother, lover of God, chartered accountant, and MBA holder in finance management.
Funmilayo Odeniyi’s passion for fashion dates back to her childhood, where she began sewing doll dresses in her early teens. Despite earning a university degree, her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in accounting. However, fate led her to Nova Scotia, and after a decade-long stint as a certified accountant in the financial industry, she decided to revisit her childhood hobby during the Covid-19 pandemic. This marked the inception of her brand, Michnat Fashion.
From the confines of her basement, Funmilayo meticulously crafted custom handmade garments, infusing each piece with dedication and love. Her exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, and she quickly gained recognition within the fashion design industry through participation in trade fairs, competitions, and fashion shows. The brand ‘Michnat’ stood out prominently, earning her several prestigious awards, including the Black Designers of Canada Award of Excellence, the Canada International Black Women of Excellence (Cibwe) Award, and the title of Fashionpreneur of the Year 2021 by CV Entrepreneur Awards, among others.
In just three short years, Michnat Fashion has evolved from a basement operation into a flourishing entity with its own studio and showroom situated in the bustling downtown of Halifax. Funmilayo’s journey is marked by blessings and a touch of magic, showcasing the transformative power of following one’s passion and talent.
Module 2: Funding, Investment and Sector Grant Applications
Dates: March 18th – April 5th, 2024
Instructor: Tori Poynton of Tori XO
Click here to register for Module 2: Funding, Investment and Sector Grant Applications
$287.50 (including $37.50 HST)
Estimated time required: 10 hours
Week 1
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous (on your own)
- 1 hr Synchronous ( Engaging with Instructor and other participants)
Week 2
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
Week 3
- 2 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
During this module we will:
- Module two builds the skills and knowledge required to complete comprehensive funding applications and the processes involved in seeking and securing key investment.
- Understand landscape of funding organizations available to NS’s Craft Sector
- Develop a funding strategy that engages one’s competitive advantage
- Develop and prepare competitive funding and grant applications aligned with the criteria of funding key organizations
- Understanding the power of investing/ re-investing in self/ one’s practice and how that impacts production of craft & sustainability
About Tori Poynton, TORI•XO
Born and raised in Australia, founder and designer of TORI•XO, Tori Poynton, brings an international flair and a lifetime of inspiration to her jewelry. With an established studio now nestled on the coast of Australia’s commonwealth sibling—Nova Scotia, Canada—Poynton’s work continues to draw on and reflect Australian culture and influences. She has earned a reputation for innovative designs that fuse contemporary aesthetics with world-inspired elements. Her work has been showcased in London Fashion Week, New York Jewelry Week and Paris Haute Couture Week. Now celebrating 15 years of TORI•XO, Poynton is thrilled to share her business acumen with the craft community in Nova Scotia.
Module 3: Storytelling, Communication and Marketing
Dates: April 8th – April 26th, 2024
Instructors: Julie Ogilvie, Digital Marketing Strategist; and Jackie Toner of Woods(wo)man Woodworking
Click here to register for Module 3: Storytelling, Communication and Marketing
$287.50 (including $37.50 HST)
Estimated time required: 10 hours
Week 1
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous (on your own)
- 1 hr Synchronous ( Engaging with Instructor and other participants)
Week 2
- 2.5 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
Week 3
- 2 hr Asynchronous
- 1 hr Synchronous
During this module we will:
- This final module asks participants to identify/develop ‘the story’ of their work -their brand– and then guides understandings of contextualized strategies for communicating, promoting and selling in the ‘one/few of a kind’ craft sector.
- Develop understanding of the competitive advantage connected to one’s practice and craft. Identify the story of one’s process, practice and product with strategies for translating that narrative into sector processes (jury packages, show applications etc)
- Understanding fundamental marketing techniques and new media opportunities
- Social media, website SEO, product photography, staging and developing a communication strategy
- Relationship building and the value of collaborative communities of practice
About Julie Ogilvie, Digital Marketing Strategist
Julie Ogilvie is a Digital Marketing Strategist, Online Community Expander & Hype-Woman Extraordinaire. She is dedicated to fueling the growth of heart-driven makers & creatives to propel their businesses beyond in-person selling. With her bespoke marketing strategies and expertise in customer journey development, Julie is passionate about empowering brands to expand their digital audience and automate sales.
About Jackie Toner, Woods(wo)man Woodworking
Jackie Toner (she/her) is a queer, cisgender female, wood artist based in Pesikitik, Mi’kmaq (Windsor, NS). She seeks to infuse modern design elements and perspectives into her work, while pushing the boundaries of wood and stepping outside of its traditional practices. Jackie aspires to showcase the natural beauty of timber from around the globe and use it for distinctive color play or perspectives . Outside of her artistic practice, Jackie is the owner behind Woods(wo)man Woodworking. Over the years, Jackie has built her brand to challenge and reshape gender stereotypes prevalent in the craft industry, while working towards carving out space for inclusivity and creative fulfillment for everyone. She is able to do this both online through social media and in person with markets, exhibitions, and classes.
*Craft Nova Scotia is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who wishes to attend “Craft Your Own Path” has the opportunity to do so. We are providing 10 free of charge spots through the Accessibility Subsidy Registration reserved for individuals from marginalized communities and/or with financial need. This is a first come, first serve opportunity.
Please note that we respect your privacy and all information collected will be kept confidential.
By selecting the Accessibility Subsidy Registration option, you are confirming that you meet one or more of the following criteria: you are a member of a marginalized community, and/or have financial need.
Craft Nova Scotia gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following funders
