Plywood Presents Virtual Sessions

For several weeks in a row, Plywood Presents will be hosting virtual sessions to discuss three topics: change, innovation, and collaboration.

Thursday, March 26, 2:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Change: How to pivot without losing your mission?
With Terence Lester and Eryn Eddy

April 2, 2:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Innovation: How do we think like a kid when we are surrounded by grown up problems?
With Brad Montague

April 9, 2:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Collaboration: Empathy and teamwork in a time of social distancing
With Theresa Ward and Shelton Davis

Calculate COVID-19 Business Impact

A new tool from Faire to help you understand the potential impact of COVID-19 on your small business.

For Event Planners

A very thorough article for event organizers. Includes tips for rescheduling, tools, and examples of good virtual events. Extremely helpful.

For Cancelled Art Events

The Foundation for Contemporary Arts has established a temporary emergency grant to help artists who hav had to postpone or cancel exhibitions. These grants focus on artists making contemporary or experimental work.

NC Artist Relief Funds

One of several sources of funding for North Carolina artists. Click through to see the full list of options.

Americans for the Arts Survey

This 5-minute COVID-19 Impact survey is attempting to gather data about the effect of the outbreak on arts operations through cancelled events, lost wages, and additional expenses. Please take a moment to provide your perspective.

Social Media Tips

Thoughts from VGSC about what your followers do and don’t want to hear when it comes to COVID-19 on social media.

Small Businesses Need Options for Funding

The New York Times talks about the downsides of disaster loans for small businesses and why alternate options are so important.

How to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans

Emily with Wholesale in a Box outlines the terms for SBA Disaster Loans and how makers can apply for them.

Advice about Email Strategy

This Litmus webinar replay covers email marketing best practices that help you stay connected with your audience in uncertain times, along with some examples of brands that have mastered the art of sending empathetic, personal, and helpful emails in times of crisis.

Etsy Shop – Steps to Take

A brief list of steps to take with your Etsy shop if you're impacted by COVID-19.

Why We Put this Site Together

A note from the Makers Collective Team:

Like you, we’ve been watching the world shift rapidly under our feet. It is a helpless feeling to watch as friends and family lose jobs, and to stand by as businesses brace for the worst. We’ve been talking about what COVID-19 and today’s uncertain economy means for our organization and for the maker community at large, and the truth is—we don’t know. 

However, we do know that we’re all looking for answers together, and this site is one way we can help each other find them.

In a very short amount of time, artists and individuals, non-profits and corporations have all generously offered solutions. The sheer number of resources is overwhelming. To help, we’ve gathered the most relevant information for artists and makers on this site, creating a more permanent home on the internet to find what you need whenever you’re ready for it. This will be an ongoing resource for our community, and we would love for you to share articles and links with us that you’ve found helpful.

Last, but not least, we’ve found it beneficial to remember that the last recession is partially responsible for the modern craft movement we know today. Indie Craft Parade is just one of the many beautiful stories that grew out of that difficult time.  

In spite of the uncertainty we’re all facing, we are optimistic about the creativity and innovation that is yet to come. Whether it feels that way or not, we want you to know that you’re not alone. 

Let’s move forward together.

Recommendations for Local Retailers

As a data-driven company, Faire conducted a survey of more than 20,000 retailers and their response to the crisis. These findings are paired with a list of practical next steps for retailers.

Etsy Changes

Letter from Etsy CEO outlining the changes they’re implementing to help sellers. List includes investing more in offsite advertising and a one-month grace period for paying bills.

Shopify Updates

Shopify changes in response to COVID-19, including free gift card processing for all plans, the ability to add local pickup and delivery options, weekly webinars and more.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan application is now open to business owners in all of South Carolina's 46 counties. Clemson Area SBDC shares 10 things to Consider when applying for EID loans through the SBA.

Patreon What The Fund

A brand new grant program open to any creator, anywhere in the world, who is being demonstrably impacted by the COVID-19 situation.

Applications close April 14th at 11:59pm PDT

Small Business Survival Training

Replay of a webinar from Jenna Kutcher about business preparedness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rising Tide / Honeybook Resource Page

A comprehensive list of small business helps, including discounted services and free tools.

Stronger Together Facebook Group

Watch replays of helpful webinars from entrepreneurs responding to COVID-19 and interact with other members of the creative community. Group creator Kristen Ley was a speaker at The Makers Summit and regularly offers workshops, mentoring sessions, creative calls, and webinars for small business owners.