Crafts Business
Kentucky craft businesses contribute
artistic diversity to our communities and generate millions
of dollars annually to the state's economy and tourism
industry. In 2000, the national craft industry generated
$14 billion; Kentucky is ranked 13th nationally in incomes
derived through crafts. (Source: The CODA Survey: The
Impact of Crafts on the National Economy, Craft Organization
Directors Association Economic Impact Survey.)
The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP)
provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, or groups wanting to
develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training,
to other outside entities (e.g., craft retailers, craft and art organizations,
community and government agencies), and the general public.
Created in 1981, KCMP is recognized as a national model for
craft marketing support. It is a division of the Kentucky Arts Council,
an agency within the Commerce Cabinet.
http://www.kycraft.org
Craft Loan Program
– The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority offers a direct loan program to
the craft industry to finance inventory, working capital, up to 50% of eligible
operating expenses, and renovation or purchase of equipment or other fixed assets.
The craft producer must be a juried participant of the KCMP, or exceptions will be
considered for producers who have met similar criteria by a comparable, independent
panel. For further information, contact J. Don Goodin in the Cabinet for Economic
Development: (502) 564-4554 or
Don.Goodin@ky.gov.
Additional Web Sites
The Small and Minority Business Branch has identified web sites
that offer information on starting and managing your small business. As you visit the
different web sites, keep in mind that the Small and Minority Business Branch does
not endorse any particular product or service; nor are these the only on-line
resources available. Most of the following information costs nothing but can be
extremely valuable.
We recommend the following web sites for additional information:
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http://www.craftassoc.com
National Craft Association
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http://artsandcrafts.miningco.com
Articles and Information about Arts/Crafts Business
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http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/craft_talk
Collection of Articles Regarding Starting and Managing a Crafts Business
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http://www.getcreativeshow.com/Craft_Sew_Business/
Business_Seminars/12secretspart6.htm
Secrets to Starting Home-Based Crafts Business
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http://www.ceramics.org
American Ceramics Society (ACerS)