VGCC to offer Entrepreneurship program for artists, crafters in Franklin County

Vance-Granville Community College is offering a course designed specifically to help creative local residents with skills in arts and crafts to succeed as entrepreneurs.

The “NC REAL Professional Craft Artists Entrepreneurship” program will be conducted at the college’s Franklin County Campus near Louisburg on Tuesdays from 6 until 9 p.m., March 7 through April 18.

“If you are considering starting your own business selling your handmade items, then the NC REAL Professional Craft Artists Entrepreneurship program is just for you,” said Tanya Weary, director of the Small Business Center . “This is a seven-week educational experience that equips creative people with the knowledge and skills to start a small business and earn supplemental income through their craft. We will have hands-on activities that have been specifically designed to address needs and challenges faced by craft artists.”

Topics that are particularly important to artists will be addressed, including guild membership, production, reaching a target market and participating in craft fairs and special events. Weary invites not only those who are just starting out, but also entrepreneurs who have had a business for up to three years. “This course will provide value to craft artists interested in turning their talents into profitable business ventures,” she said.

Each participant will also receive free, one-on-one counseling as a client of the Small Business Center , which will help them take their ideas to the next level of business planning.

The instructor will be Theresa Brown Filarsky of Franklinton, a visual artist, small business owner and instructor for VGCC Personal Enrichment art classes.

Tuition for the course is $70. The deadline to register is Feb. 28.

For more information and to register, contact Tanya Weary at (252) 738-3240 or smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.