Participants have been selected and will notified. Please do not book and pay unless you have been notified to do so.

The Design & Craft Council of Ireland (DCCOI)in association with Dublin City Local Enterprise Office

7-Month BUILDING CRAFT & DESIGN ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME FROM OCTOBER 2014 TO MAY 2015

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This is a premium package of support tailored for designer-makers to boost their product in the marketplace through a series of design led workshops. There is also the opportunity by participating in this programme to take a stand in the Enterprise Zone of Showcase Ireland 2015.

If you are looking to innovate, re-design and develop your current range of products then this series of workshops is for you. We are looking for 12 ambitious enterprises who want to inject new ideas and approaches to product development into their practice. Over the course of seven months you will undertake research, engage in design challenges, learn how to brand, cost and promote your product in the marketplace. You will be asked to commit to a total of nine days training and two tailored 1-2-1 mentoring sessions.

WORKSHOPS TO INCLUDE:
Introduction,Costing and Pricing Craft and Design: 16th October
How much is your customer willing to pay? How can you get a good margin? Can you reduce production costs?

Product Development Part 1: 23nd October
How do you approach making? Do you think design, function, form? Are you up for a challenge?

Market Research & Competitor Analysis: 7th November
Is there a demand for what you make? Do you know your market? Who are your competitors? Are you up to speed with trends for 2015?

Product Development Part 2: 20th November
A second supportive workshop will ensure that participants have been given direction for future opportunity.
In Workshop 2 participants will be facilitated to make an individual action plan of key achievable tasks to be undertaken to improve the viability of their product or R & D of alternative products.

Merchandising & Sales: 8th January
Who do you want to purchase your product? What are your brand associations? Which market are you targeting?

Channels to Market, PR & Branding: 26th March
How do you plan on getting your product to market? Do you have an idea for a campaign? Can you get the media to take notice?

Retail Relations & Export Potential: 23rd April
Where are you going to sell? Online, direct retail, wholesale, internationally? Everywhere you can?
What’s your strategy, have you considered design for export? How can you get into retail stores?
The workshops will take place in Local Enterprise Office Dublin City, 1st Floor, Block 4, Wood Quay, Dublin 8

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAMME?
Awareness of future trends
A move towards new products/ ranges for launch
Tools you can use for future product development
Strategies for getting your product to market
FEE (for Training Programme only)
The fee to participate is €200 * and the programme is heavily subsidised.

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM DESIGNER-MAKERS WHO ARE:
• At least 18 months in business
• Work full time in fashion/ ceramics/jewellery /accessories /furniture and have their brand/ label as their primary source of income
• Interested in working with other designer-makers to grow their brand/label
• Registered with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI)