2025-26 Maker Mentor Program

Featured Maker: Studebaker Metals

(Photo Credit: Kitoko Chargois)

Handmade Arcade’s Maker Mentor Program helps creative entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow their businesses at different stages.

Application Process:

  • Current makers who are interested in becoming either a mentor or mentee are invited to apply.

  • We define a current maker as actively participating in shows in the 12 months before or after submitting this application (or actively applying or planning to apply for shows in the next 12 months)

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025 11:59pm EST

Program Timeline Highlights:

  • September 6 – 26, 2025: matching phase of applicants

  • October 2025 – March 2026: Initial Introductions + Monthly Meetups (topics will ultimately be defined by each mentor-mentee pairing, but can include: holiday season market prep, business resilience, goal setting, sales strategies, and more)

Program Description:

Participants will be matched based on career stage, shared values, craft medium (when possible), and flexibility for virtual or in-person meetings. Matches will be announced in early October, with the program running through March 2026. Mentor-mentee pairs will meet monthly on their own schedules based on availability, and will be guided with prompts and topic suggestions to offer structure, support, and direction throughout the program.

Mentor Maker Program FAQs

  • The Maker Mentor Program connects emerging and established makers with experienced creative entrepreneurs to provide guidance, support, and practical advice to grow their creative business.s here

  • Anyone who identifies as a current maker*, artist, or creative entrepreneur looking to expand their skills, navigate markets, or build a sustainable business.

    *We define a current maker as actively participating in shows in the 12 months before or after submitting this application (or actively applying or planning to apply for shows in the next 12 months)

  • Experienced makers, artists, or creative business owners with at least 3 years of professional experience who are willing to share their knowledge and help others succeed.

  • You can fill out the application form above, where you’ll be asked about your background, goals, and areas of expertise or interest.

  • Our team reviews applications to pair mentors and mentees based on shared mediums, business goals, or topics like marketing, pricing, or scaling production.

  • Mentorships will typically run for a set period 6 months with flexible scheduling to meet each month depending on the mentor and mentee’s availability.

  • No — Handmade Arcade’s Maker Mentor Program is free for both mentors and mentees thanks to support from grant funding.

  • We recommend mentors and mentees connect at least once per month, but meeting frequency is flexible and determined by both parties.

  • Anything related to running a creative business - examples include:

    • Pricing strategies

    • Craft fair best practices

    • Product photography

    • Branding & marketing

    • Wholesale or consignment

    • Time management

    • Social media tips

    The Handmade Arcade team will provide prompts for each month, but mentor/mentee pairs can set their own agenda according to their needs!

  • Yes! Our team will check in periodically and offer resources to help mentors and mentees make the most of their experience.

    The Handmade Arcade team will also send out surveys that will be required to complete for grant funding requirements of this program.

  • We want everyone to have a positive experience — if you run into issues or feel the match isn’t a good fit, please contact us at makers@handmadearcade.org so we can help or rematch you.

  • Absolutely! Makers are welcome to return as mentees for additional mentorship or give back by becoming mentors themselves in future sessions.