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ETSY + SMALL TOWN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Thanks to a generous grant from the USDA, we are able to offer Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship classes in rural communities across East and Middle Tennessee. In partnership with Etsy, a leader in e-commerce for creative entrepreneurs, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center hosts these classes to help craft makers establish an online business to sell your products to a wider market and earn extra income.

Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship classes are taught by successful online craft sellers who coach and support participants through every aspect of setting up their online shops. Using Etsy as a learning lab, teachers share best practices on topics that impact new sellers most, including time management, branding, pricing, shipping, and photography, to help them earn supplemental income through their craft business. This program is designed for creative makers from underserved communities. 

MAY 2023 CLASS

Status: Applications Open

Location: Hybrid: In-Person + Virtual

Program Fee: FREE

 

To apply, please fill out the application below.

Class Schedule:

Week 1: May 1st + 4th

Week 2: May 8th

Week 3: May 15th

Week 4: May 22nd

 

We partner with local Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and entrepreneur centers to host this program in eligible communities. If you’re interested in bringing the Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship Program to your community, contact us. 

Curriculum Breakdown: 

 
Lesson 1: Becoming an Entrepreneur 
The objectives of this workshop are to give students an overview of Etsy as a selling platform and have them start
their Etsy shops. It’s best to attend this class if you do NOT already have an Etsy shop. You may skip it if you have one opened and functioning.
 
Lesson 2: Branding and Finding Your Audience on Etsy 
The objectives of this lesson are to begin to identify who their target market is for their product(s), introduce students to the importance of branding, and understand how to apply basic branding principles in their shops.
 
Lesson 3: SEO and Business Logistics 
The objectives of this class are to show how to maximize SEO in their listings and shops, to introduce students to basic business expense recording, and to effectively price their products to be competitive.
 
Lesson 4: Photography and Social Media
The objective for this lesson is to teach students best practices and techniques for taking beautiful, effective photographs for their listings. They will also be walked through the social media landscape and best practices for a marketing strategy.
Lesson 5: Strategies for Growth 
The objectives of this class are to introduce students to shipping through a variety of platforms and how to use Etsy to purchase shipping labels. We’ll also cover how to track your progress and success using Etsy’s stats and how to increase conversions using special offers like coupons and sales. 

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

PREVIOUS CLASSES

Morristown

Cookeville

Sevierville

Erwin

Lenoir City

Jefferson City

PRESENTING SPONSORS

ETSY ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Virtual Etsy Entrepreneurship Program

Do you make custom jewelry, decorative home items, or other handmade products for sale or gift giving? This course will teach you how to run an online shop for your unique line of handcrafted items.

In partnership with Etsy, a leader in e-commerce for creative entrepreneurs, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is offering virtual classes to help craft makers like you establish an online business to sell your products to a wider market and earn extra income.

Craft Entrepreneurship classes are taught by successful online craft sellers who coach and support participants through every aspect of growing their online shops. Using Etsy as a learning lab, teachers share best practices on topics that impact new sellers most, including time management, branding, pricing, shipping, and photography, to help them earn supplemental income through their craft business. This program is designed for creative makers from underserved communities. The program fee is $25 for 5 classes.

Next Class 

When? May 2021

Where? Virtual – Zoom

Learn more + apply
ETSY WAITLIST

Thank you for your interest in the Etsy Entrepreneurship Program! Join our waitlist to be the first to receive updates about future classes and opportunities.

ETSY IN YOUR TOWN

Thanks to a generous grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, we are able to offer Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship classes in rural communities across East and Middle Tennessee. Click below to learn more about upcoming classes or for information about hosting an Etsy program in your community.

LEARN MORE
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • Have at least one handmade item ready to sell
  • Commit to attending both classes
  • Live in or around Knoxville
  • Have a checking account and debit/credit card
  • Have regular access to a computer with an internet connection
  • Be at least 18 years of age

CURRICULUM

You can read more about the program here.  Below is the outline of what is covered in each of the classes.

Lesson 1: Becoming an Entrepreneur (2 hours)

The objectives of this workshop are to give students an overview of Etsy as a selling platform, have them start their Etsy shops, and begin to identify who their target market is for their product(s).

Lesson 2: Building and Marketing a Brand on Etsy (2 hours)

The objectives of this lesson are to introduce students to the importance of branding and understand how to apply basic branding principles in their shops and how to maximize SEO in their listings by practicing with two examples.

Lesson 3: Business Logistics (2 hours)

The objectives of this class are to introduce students to basic business expense recording, price one item in their shop, and grasp the importance of planning ahead for packaging and shipping details.

Lesson 4: Photography Day (4 hours)

The objective for this lesson is for students to take, edit and upload five pictures for one item in each student’s shop.

Lesson 5: Strategies for Growth (2 hours)

The objectives of this class are to introduce students to marketing, specifically social media marketing, communicate the value of exceptional customer service, and have students understand the importance of time management to help reach their shop goals.

INSTRUCTOR

Alaina Smith

Alaina has ties to both Nashville and Knoxville, TN. She received her BFA in printmaking and minor in Art History at the University of TN. Since graduating, she manages a local handmade store in downtown Knox and creates leather goods for Cold Gold. She is owner, maker, and designer.

 

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865.282.4322 17 Market Square #101 Knoxville, TN 37902 © 2022 Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (a certified 501(c)(3) organization). All Rights Reserved.

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