Help craft a better future

GET OLDHAM WORKING

AN online craft marketplace has chosen Oldham for its first Craft Entrepreneurship Programme in the UK.

Etsy, which was set up in Illinois, America, last year, provides free micro-business training to anyone with craft skills and a vision to start their own company.

The training will guide potential craft entrepreneurs to turn their creative skills or hobby into a viable self-employment opportunity.

The course will cover topics such as business finance, selling online, product photography and marketing.

Oldham Council and Oldham College are backing the programme which can provide a DIY solution for those out of work or looking to increase their income.

The initiative came about when Etsy approached council leader Jim McMahon who outlined his ambitions for the borough.

He said: “Etsy’s partnership in Illinois inspired me to think about the range of creative skills lying dormant in Oldham and we’re delighted to bring them to town.”

“Manufacturing and craftsmanship have always been vital to our town’s prosperity and we’re determined to support residents who want to do better in life and go for an opportunity that could be the start of something positive.

“This scheme could represent a fulfilling way of helping people increase their household incomes. It also perfectly complements our Get Oldham Working campaign which not only aims to create 2,015 new job opportunities by 2015, but also to support our residents into good quality, fair employment which makes the most of their skills and experience.”

Sessions take place at Oldham College’s new Learning Hub, delivered by Etsy-trained teachers, including experienced local Etsy sellers like Nicola Rowlands who runs a thriving stationery and homeware business from her home in Manchester.

She said: “Passing on knowledge is a hugely satisfying thing to do — and I’d really like to come away from this programme feeling like I’d helped someone on a path to becoming self-employed.”

Registration is open now with sessions held every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm. Email madeinoldham@oldham.gov.uk.