Handmade Arcade’s free Youth Maker Accelerator can help creative teens become entrepreneurs

Photo above courtesy of Handmade Arcade.

Do you know a creative young maker or artist between the ages of 13 and 20? Here’s an opportunity they’ll want to hear about:  Handmade Arcade has received funding from The Grable Foundation to run a youth maker accelerator this fall.

Young people often have great creative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. But they may not realize it’s possible to launch a creative business as a teenager. And they may have no idea how they might begin to sell the items they currently make just for fun. This accelerator program aims to fill in those blanks and start young Pittsburgh makers on the road to business ownership.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Young makers between the ages of 13 and 20 can apply to join this free program, which offers $500 toward crafting materials, three pre-event creative workshops, a connection with a professional mentor and the opportunity to sell their wares at their own booth during Handmade Arcade’s 2022 Holiday Market, happening on Dec. 2 and 3.

This annual event that draws large crowds each year. (Last year’s market welcomed more than 10,000 holiday shoppers.) Participants will also be highlighted on Handmade Arcade’s social media channels, offering them a wide audience for their wares.

WHEN: Applications are being accepted now through Sept. 7 for this free program.

HOW: Apply online today at handmadearcade.org/yms22.

All applicants will be notified about the outcome of their application on Monday, Sept. 12. The first Youth Maker Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.