Local Enterprise Office Waterford is inviting submissions from artists and small craft businesses to apply for the First Flight Enterprise programme at the Kite Design Studio in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.
First introduced in 2013, this year’s First Flight programme will provide a professional workspace, mentoring and practical business advice to creatives in a bustling, collaborative co-working space for six months commencing in January 2020.
To date, dozens of small craft businesses, artists and graduates of Waterford VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) have availed of First Flight placements, enabling them to develop their businesses commercially.
One such artist who recently completed a First Flight placement was Janine Kelly of Aliandi Designs, who specialises in making ecological friendly jewellery from recycled copper and sea glass picked from the beaches in Dunmore East.
“It was a fantastic experience for me, both personally and professionally. I received assistance from LEO Waterford which got me focused on developing my business skills and, also gave me the confidence to meet and sell to the customers who visited the design studio.”
“There is a really energetic vibe to be found working with other artists in a bustling innovative hub. I was surrounded by creatives whose enthusiasm was infectious and I learned something new every day. It’s an extremely supportive community and one I’d recommend to any artist or small craft business wanting to take their business to the next level.”
Brid Kirby, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with LEO Waterford said, “We have seen some fantastic artists and small craft businesses come through this programme since it was developed.”
“Waterford is steeped in artistic talent, be it fashion designers, sculptors, jewellery makers or crystal craftspeople. The First Flight programme gives talented individuals the resources and assistance to cultivate their businesses and gain from the experience of their peers in a shared creative space.”
If you are an artist or small craft business and would like to avail of a dedicated workspace, mentoring and business advice, applications to the First Flight Enterprise programme are open until 4pm, Friday, November 29th and the successful applicants will be notified on or before Friday, December 13th.