Pictured: Fall 2021 Small Business Grantee @thehonestcrook
Spoonflower is currently accepting applications for their next cycle of Small Business Grants, awarded to creative makers looking to use custom fabric for their business. Winners receive up to US $1,000 Spoonflower credit. Applications are open to businesses worldwide. Visit their website for pointers and suggestions to help prepare your submission.
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2022
If you’re on Etsy, you’ve probably wondered how to crack the code for getting your products to show up in user searches. The good news is that Etsy is giving us the inside scoop with their ‘Ultimate Guide to Etsy Search’.
Fair warning, it’s kind of a lot. But you won’t have to wonder any more.
https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-etsy-search/366469415790
If you’re thinking about joining the Spoonflower artist community, this in-depth series of articles will help you learn how to promote your work and stand out in a marketplace that’s growing by the minute.
https://blog.spoonflower.com/the-spoonflower-seller-handbook/
Are you prepared for the holidays? Square gives us a checklist of items for small retailers to consider as we get closer to the holiday shopping season.
https://squareup.com/us/en/townsquare/holiday-online-shopping-checklist
Pictured: Spring 2021 Small Business Grantee @pena_pads
Spoonflower is currently accepting applications for their next cycle of Small Business Grants, awarded to creative makers looking to use custom fabric for their business. Winners receive up to US $1,000 Spoonflower credit. Applications are open to businesses worldwide. Visit their website for pointers and suggestions to help prepare your submission.
Deadline to apply is August 15, 2021
If you use Spoonflower as a creative outlet, you’ll want to check out their recent blog post full of tips for using social media to promote your shop.
For anyone who uses the Squarespace platform for their website, here are some basic FAQs about search engine optimization that might help people find your site.
https://www.squarespace.com/blog/improving-seo-on-your-squarespace-website
A job finding platform (and app) built for creatives, by creatives. Creatively is free for both job seekers and employers. Down the road, they plan to charge for job postings, but not for creatives looking for jobs.
“Our mission is help creatives spotlight their incredible portfolios, connect with one another, and find jobs––full-time, part-time, freelance, and internships. In a world where work is increasingly remote, Creatively is the only job platform built for creatives of all different mediums and skills: animation, graphic designer, photography, branding, illustration, architecture, UX design, product development, CGI, emerging technologies, and more.”
Squarespace’s quick guide to creating a non-profit site covers the basics if you’re launching a new project in the non-profit sector. From prioritizing education to expanding your reach and centering your mission, they share four key considerations as you create the website for your organization.
https://www.squarespace.com/blog/launching-an-effective-nonprofit-site
Spoonflower is currently seeking applicants for their first 2021 cycle of Small Business Grants, awarded to creative makers looking to use custom fabric or wallpaper for their business. Winners receive up to US $1,000 Spoonflower credit. Grant requests will be awarded to up to 10 applicants per cycle and applications are open to businesses worldwide.
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2021
Pictured above is Kate Jacoby of Chelsea & Marbles, a previous Spoonflower Grant recipient.
Amazon has compiled a helpful library of webinars to empower small business owners to be successful sellers, authors, makers, service professionals, and delivery service providers using the Amazon platform.
You can view and sign up for current webinars, and be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page for access to the entire library of past webinars covering topics like:
Warehousing and Fulfillment
Business to Business Sales
Coronavirus - Managing your Amazon business at this critical time
Blue Ion is launching their first Community Marketing Class on the topic of Google Ad Grants.
Google Ad Grants are a not-so-little gift designated specifically for nonprofits that often go unused. For the uninitiated, any eligible 501c3 organization that meets the requirements can apply to receive up to $10,000 in-kind for free advertising on Google each month.
Included in this 45-minute lunchtime discussion: a brief overview of advertising on Google, the differences between the Ad Grant and a standard Adwords account, the types of organizations that qualify, steps for applying, initial campaign setup, and the requirements for both managing the account and staying compliant with Google’s grant policies.
Wednesday, September 30
Email ellen@blueion.com to reserve your spot.
Pictured: previous Small Business Grantee @gumnut___, who creates ethically made clothing and accessories in Brisbane
Spoonflower is currently seeking applicants for their second cycle of Small Business Grants, awarded to creative makers looking to use custom fabric for their business. Winners receive up to US $1,000 Spoonflower credit. Grant requests will be awarded to up to 10 applicants per cycle and applications are open to businesses worldwide.
Deadline to apply is August 15, 2020
Facebook just announced an integrated shopping experience that spans their Facebook and Instagram platforms. This is a free option for anyone with a Business Page on either service. Some of the key features include, Live shopping, loyalty programs, and integration with stories and ads. Customers can place an order either from the business’ website or directly from the app, if the user has enabled the checkout feature.
https://about.fb.com/news/2020/05/introducing-facebook-shops/
In an effort to make it easier for small businesses to create revenue, Instagram is adding a handful of features to their app. Followers can purchase gift cards and food as well as support fundraisers by utilizing the new Sticker options in Stories and on their profiles. Fundraisers open on Facebook to a personal fundraiser created by business owners or their supporters.
PayPal is implementing new policies, like instant fund transfers and extended timeframes for resolving customer disputes.
Wondering how to interact with your existing community in real time? You can use Facebook or Intagram Live to host a workshop, demo a new skill, host a giveaway, answer questions about your art, but most importantly, stay connected with your audience.
https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/facebook-live
Current MailChimp customers who have 25 or fewer employees in categories including restaurants and hospitality; brick and mortar retail; travel and leisure; entertainment; health, beauty, and wellness; and other select Main Street businesses are eligible for up to three months of free Mailchimp service. Eligible small business customers can fill out this form to request funding.
Brief (1-min) videos help you learn how to use various features of the free video software Zoom. This is a great tool for hosting virtual classes, workshops and webinars. The free plan allows you to host an unlimited number of meetings for up to 100 people. These group calls are limited (on the free plan) to 40 minutes, but 1-on-1 meetings are unlimited.
Google is now promising $800 million in aid to small and medium-size businesses, including $340 million in free ad space, as well as matching employee charitable donations.
Ad credits are available to all small- and medium-sized businesses with active accounts over the past year. Credit notifications will appear in your Google Ads account and can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across their advertising platforms.
