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Starting a creative business can feel overwhelming. Balancing artistic vision with business fundamentals, finding the right workspace, and knowing where to invest your energy are all too familiar challenges for makers and creative entrepreneurs. That’s exactly why NextFab created the Artisan Accelerator program, and the feedback from participants speaks volumes about its impact. See what some of our Artisan Accelerator graduates have explored with this program and what it’s brought them and their businesses.
“We don’t really know what we’re doing,” admits Brian Temsamrit of Lumpy Studios with refreshing honesty. “As first-time business owners, we were asking others for advice and using AI tools like ChatGPT. NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator program was a godsend for business owners who were thrown into the waters and in desperate need of structure and guidance.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with many creative entrepreneurs who find themselves skilled in their craft but struggling with the business side. Bradford Davis of Bradford Ceramics puts it perfectly: “Artists coming from an academic community have spent time learning technique in a conceptual realm, but they don’t get taught business. Most artists make terrible business people – a trope that’s pretty accurate.”
But the Artisan Accelerator is changing that narrative.
For many participants, the program offers something equally valuable as business education: a dedicated creative space and community. Malik from Ivy Eye explains: “I’m happy about having a dedicated space to work on stuff. For my other job, I work from home, so I’m always at home. Having a house where you chill, work, and do creative is overwhelming. NextFab can be a creative zone.”
Mason Holden of Friday. was drawn to exactly this combination: “I wanted to revisit having a business. Having a structured learning environment and being around other people trying to start businesses and sharing studio space was a perk.”
The program’s access to NextFab’s extensive makerspace facilities consistently impresses participants. Milan from Ivy Eye shares her excitement: “I was excited to really use all the equipment. Knowing how to utilize all the equipment will further us along. We’ve been using a home sewing machine, but now we can use the industrial sewing machine, and we’re going to be using the laser cutter. All these different things will make everything easier to have a process.”
What sets the Artisan Accelerator apart is its welcoming approach to creative exploration. Aaron Tyler Anderson of Lighten Up Lab discovered this firsthand: “People here encourage exploring and don’t try to pigeonhole you. The things I’m working on are so strange, and no one bats an eye!”
He was drawn to the program after seeing its results: “I was introduced to Artisan Accelerator by two people who went through it. They have really refined products, and that helps me because I want to get to that.”
Javier López of Obliqua Madera found the program addressed his specific need to balance creativity with commerce: “I wanted to develop the business side of my work, and NextFab’s program offered exactly what I needed – marketing, business planning, and a community of makers facing similar challenges. I’m the opposite of that, so I’m trying to mix in the artistic side with the business part.”
For established creatives looking to scale, the program offers a strategic structure. Paige Sato of M.A.B.E.L. explains: “I have my creative process established. I have good practice and expertise in what to do creatively. I need help with the operational side of the business. The Artisan Accelerator gave me the tools and structure I needed to scale M.A.B.E.L. My ultimate goal is to build a business that could eventually be valuable to someone else.”
Shout out to Paige, who just found out she received a Business Catalyst Grant from the City of Philadelphia!
The 2025 cohort of NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator just closed applications for this fully-funded 12-week program, but may have some more opportunities for everyone. Thanks to the Department of Commerce BTAP grant, accepted participants receive:
The program is open to Philadelphia-based micro-enterprises (5 or fewer employees) that qualify as low-to-moderate income households. Priority is given to historically disadvantaged communities, and a Facilitation Fund helps with childcare, transportation, and technology access.
Ready to join a community of makers who are successfully bridging the gap between creativity and commerce? Don’t wait – your creative business deserves this level of support and structure.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and opportunities now: NextFab Artisan Accelerator
Questions? Contact: artisan@nextfab.com
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