More than 40 local start-ups, including a printing studio, a children’s clothes designer and a jeweller, are being supported this year through Council’s Maker Entrepreneurship Program.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the highly-successful program, which provides direct assistance to budding community entrepreneurs, demonstrated Council’s commitment to ensure Brisbane remains the most small-business friendly city in Australia.
“We have so much talent here in Brisbane and while every successful business starts with an idea, there is a lot more to learn if you are new to the maker scene,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This program aims to elevate our independent, artisan and bespoke creators to help grow the city’s maker economy.
“This year we’ve been able to expand the program and mentor 45 makers, compared with 15 in 2022.
“New providers to the program and social enterprise Creative Plus Business will deliver training sessions to participant in five sessions running from May to mid-June.
“These sessions provide an engaging small-group experience, with the option to attend face-to-face or online.”
A ‘maker’ is someone who creates a tangible item either by design or fabrication, such as an artist, sewer, printer, potter, metalsmith, jeweller, woodworker, or designer
The goal of the program is to set up makers up for business success through upskilling them in areas of goal setting, money management, online product photography and marketing.
Maker participants cover a range of mediums. 2023 program participant Ploys had the inspired idea of recycling inflatable pool toys and turning them into handbags and accessories with a sustainable touch.
Pieces of Eva Jewellery recently had a display at the Suburban Business Hub in Nundah, showcasing their beautiful pieces, which combine semi-precious gemstones and handcrafted natural pearls.
Self-proclaimed bee-lover Sharon Ferguson is passionate about sharing Fergo’s Farm raw honey, beeswax candles and herb-infused balms with the world.
“Although we have been apiarists (beekeepers) for over eight years now, I’m new to the ‘maker’ market and keen to learn more about branding and marketing,” Mrs Ferguson said.
“I’m really excited to be part of Council’s Maker Entrepreneurship Program, to learn about these important tools that will take our bee product business to the next level.”
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search “Maker Entrepreneurship Program”.
