The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland is committed to empowering its registered designers and makers to develop sustainable businesses, increase livelihoods and open up new markets for quality Irish designed goods at home and overseas.
The Building a Craft and Design Enterprise training programme (BCDE) has been developed in partnership between The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) and Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’S) nationally. The programme is delivered by a range of highly respected experts who have an extensive and current practical knowledge of the creative sector. The course content provides participants with the required skills to operate and develop their business in the current changing market place. The course focuses on the following areas:
- Product review, current and future development
- Bringing new product to market
- Design trends
- Current routes to market for design led work
- How to keep a creative business visible
- Developing a marketing strategy suitable for creative businesses
- Recognising and responding to opportunities at home and overseas
- Recognising problems and developing solutions
- Pricing and costing your work
- Sharing the workload
- Business management practices for small businesses
- Time management strategies for design businesses
Since 2013 the course has built a reputation in the sector as an interactive learning platform. As part of this approach each Building a Craft and Design Enterprise programme includes a strong focus on export research. Past and recent graduates of the programme have gone on to improve the day-to-day operational practices of their businesses, become profitable and have successfully broadened their sales and marketing strategies through export. Designers who have successfully completed the programme, throughout the country, have been those with 18 months plus of trading experience who wish to improve their products and more established craft / design based businesses who wish to develop new work to explore new markets.
DCCoI and LEO Building Craft and Design Enterprise programmes are currently being developed for 2018 throughout the country and will be announced shortly.
Over the course of eight months you will undertake:
- Product development & trade show /retail research mission
- Enhancement of your design and product
- Brand your product effectively
- Cost and promote your product in the marketplace & explore export
- Web site commercialisation & digital marketing strategy
- 8 days training
- Bespoke 1-2-1 mentoring sessions
- Consideration for a stand in the Enterprise Zone of Showcase Ireland 2019
If you looking for a programme to grow your business and increase your margins while exploring new exciting opportunities you can contact us in confidence for more information via email emer@dccoi.ie