Inspiring works from rural farms, forests, & charming villages on the Salish Sea
Membership Benefits for Small Business and Organizations
Coop Marketing
The Makers web site is just the beginning. By working together as a group, we can expand visibility of Island Makers' works at a lower cost per Maker. Each Member has the option to choose web based, social media, print media and video outreach at coop rates with marketing services provided by trusted industry experts.
Group Buy Discounts
A valuable outcome of the newly-funded Needs Assessment is collecting data to find common resources and materials that can be purchased at a cost savings through group-buy orders convened by the Guild. Our goal is to lower your cost to operate.
If you are a farmer, this could mean soil inputs. If you are a potter, this could mean clay. If you run a 3D printer, this could mean sourcing recyclable materials here in the islands. If you are a small business, this may mean negotiating discounts and savings on insurance, tools, services, and other neccessary resources.
Trade Shows and Grantswriting
Specialty Foods and Arts showcases, national Makers Fairs, and international specialty products trade shows can, in future years, become excellent business development opportunities where the Guild can host a 'Made in the San Juans' themed booth at a much lower cost per exhibitor. The Guild is also pursuing ongoing grants writing to help our members with business development.
Business Planning and Marketing
The Guild is contracting experts in business develoment, planning, and marketing to assist Guild members at all levels of business experience in meeting their growth targets. We are connecting small businesses, from start-ups to well established enterprises, to advisors that assist in gaining a clearer understanding of their opportunities, areas for improvement, and management processes.
Mentoring
If there is a business or craft skill you want to learn, or improve, or immersions with a master Maker you'd like to experience, the Guild is planning ongoing professional development featuring experts from near and far.
For Makers interested in serving as mentors, the Guild invites student learners to pair up with island mentors. Keeping an eye on tomorrow's makers and building local economic resiliency.
Expand your business model
The Guild is looking at tangible ways to strengthen a year round economy and we actively support Makers in considering associated enterprises to stabilize your economy. Examples: hosting as a Makers Tour site in the summer months, offering an educational hands-on retreat for adult learners in the off-season, or developing an online class that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.