Open Call

Craft Your Online Market

Programme duration: 29 May–16 September 2025

Deadline EXTENDED! Apply by WED, 7 May NOON CET.

The Craft Your Online Market programme was developed by the European Crafts Alliance (ECA) and will be led by creative business coach Caroline Jackman. It is created to support craftspeople, small craft businesses and craftmaker cooperatives from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain that are new to selling online, especially those focused on traditional and heritage crafts.

The 16-week programme, delivered in English, offers a unique opportunity for makers to gain practical skills and tools to confidently sell their products on online marketplaces and develop sales channels beyond where they’re based. A key feature of the business programme is a strong emphasis on peer support and mentoring, ensuring you receive both structured training and personalised guidance. This programme, powered by Etsy, offers participants expert-led training and resources valued at €2,500. There is no cost for selected applicants.

How it works:

Craft Your Online Market is a 16-week programme that will take place between 29 May and 16 September 2025. The programme will provide craftspeople, small craft businesses and craftmaker cooperatives from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain who work in traditional and heritage crafts and are new to selling online, with comprehensive business training, peer learning support, expert advisors, mentoring and resources as well as knowledge and tools to help participants open and run shops on the Etsy online marketplace platform.

The programme entails:

16 weeks of training with 10 core workshops (3-hour sessions on business visioning, finance, marketing, and selling)
5 peer support group sessions (1.5 hours each) to reinforce learning via peers from different European countries
Tailored mentoring support
Support to develop an English-language business plan that will be presented and reviewed by fellow participants and facilitators
Expert talks on key topics relevant to building and growing an online craft business.

Full Training Schedule HERE >>

There is no charge to participate in this training programme!

For this cohort, makers will be expected to set up an Etsy shop by the end of September 2025 and will be asked to share their experience of using Etsy as a selling platform for their business by submitting a report at 3 and 6 months.

Who Can Apply:

Craftspeople, small craft businesses and craftmaker cooperatives based in Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal or Spain starting their online business, that are:

Makers new to selling online, particularly on the Etsy online marketplace platforms.
Makers who create their own products using traditional or heritage craft techniques and are looking to earn a living from their craft.
Makers in need of business development support to help them price competitively and develop strategies for selling.

Who Can Take Part:

Participants must have a good command of the English language to be able to fully participate in and complete programme requirements effectively.
Participants must complete the application form in full to be considered for a place on this training course.

Selection Criteria:

Makers must demonstrate expertise in heritage and traditional crafts, ensuring handmade skills are evident in the final product.
Makers must not produce consumables, e.g. candles, soap or other perishable goods.
Makers must not currently have an active shop on Etsy. Makers will be evaluated based on quality and completeness.
Makers must demonstrate commitment and readiness to participate in the programme.
Selection will ensure diversity of craft disciplines and backgrounds.
Cooperatives will be actively considered in the selection process.
Makers must demonstrate a good understanding of the English language (spoken and written).

Timeline:

Open Call: 1 April–4 May 2025
Deadline for applications: 7 May 2025, NOON CET
Notification of the selected participants: Mid May 2025
Training programme: 29 May–16 September 2025
Launch of your online shop on Etsy: End of September 2025
Participant Feedback Report: End of December 2025 and End of March 2026

APPLY HERE

If you have additional questions or need further information please consult the FAQs or contact info@europeancraftsalliance.org.

This programme is created by the European Crafts Alliance (ECA). Powered by Etsy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME?

This digital business training programme helps craftspeople, small craft businesses and craftmaker cooperatives learn the skills they need to sell handmade products online. Participants will receive support in setting up an Etsy shop, creating business strategies, and reaching new customers both locally and internationally.

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THIS PROGRAMME?

This training programme is created by the European Crafts Alliance (ECA). It is based on insights and best practices from their previous collaborations. The programme is powered by Etsy.

WHO ARE THE TRAINERS INVOLVED?

The lead trainer, Caroline Jackman of Creative Business Growth (UK), will deliver the programme in collaboration with the European Crafts Alliance (ECA). In addition, expert trainers and mentors from the participating European countries will provide specialised training and one-on-one mentoring, offering tailored support to help participants develop their craft businesses.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT TO COMPLETE THIS PROGRAMME?

The programme will be conducted in English and run for 16 weeks, from 29 May to 16 September 2025. Participants are expected to attend workshops, take part in peer support sessions, complete assignments and engage in mentoring sessions. The programme schedule is provided in advance, and those selected are expected to commit fully and complete all aspects of the training.

A timetable is available HERE>>

WHAT IS A CRAFT MAKER?

A craft maker is a craftsperson, designer, artist or artisan whose work is centered on skilled hand-making techniques. Their creative practice requires manual dexterity and craftsmanship in the production process.

WHICH CRAFT DISCIPLINES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Craft refers to activities that require skill and expertise in making things by hand. Eligible disciplines must involve handmaking in the final product and demonstrate a strong connection to traditional or heritage materials, design, and techniques. While we welcome a wide range of craft disciplines, priority will be given to those with a focus on traditional and heritage crafts. Makers producing consumable or perishable goods, such as candles, soap, or similar items, are not eligible to apply.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMME?

To apply, you must complete the application form in English in full. Only fully completed applications will be considered for a place in the programme. The application form is available HERE and on the European Crafts Alliance (ECA) webpage.

IS THERE A FEE TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMME?

No, there is no fee to apply for this programme. The programme is powered by Etsy.

WILL I RECEIVE CONFIRMATION AFTER THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED?

Yes, you will receive an automatic confirmation message in the application form after submitting your application. Please save our email address (info@europeancraftsalliance.org) in your contacts list and check the email address you used to apply, including your spam folder.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I’M HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THE APPLICATION?

Please contact us at info@europeancraftsalliance.org – we are happy to help!

WHO REVIEWS THE PROGRAMME APPLICATIONS?

We have limited places, with only 25 participants being selected. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of internal and external ECA experts. The shortlisting process will be anonymised.

HOW ARE PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?

Programme participants are selected based on eligibility criteria, their location, and their suitability for the training. A key factor in the selection process is the applicant’s commitment to completing the programme and successfully setting up an Etsy shop.

To be eligible, makers must demonstrate handmade skills in their products. Consumable goods, such as candles, soap, or other perishable items, are not accepted. Applicants who already have an active Etsy shop are not eligible to apply. The selection process also considers the quality and completeness of applications, as well as the applicant’s readiness and dedication to fully participate in the programme.

The training is conducted in English and each participant is expected to complete a business plan in English. To be eligible, makers must demonstrate a good level of understanding of the English language (spoken and written).

In addition to individual makers, cooperatives will be actively considered. The final selection will ensure a diverse representation of craft disciplines and backgrounds.

WHEN WILL PARTICIPANTS BE NOTIFIED IF THEY ARE SELECTED?

We aim to email all applicants using the email address provided in the application form on 19th May 2025. Please save our email address (info@europeancraftsalliance.org) in your contacts list and check the email address you used to apply, including your spam folder.

If you have not received any communication from us by that date, please feel free to contact us so we can check the status of your application.

WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?