Wednesday, March 19th: Virtual
(Virtual-Only, Zoom)

Virtual - Check Your Registration for the Zoom Link

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Why I Create: Immortal Vision Studio / CJ Wolfe Foundation, Karisa Augustine & CJ Wolfe, Immortal Vision Studio

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Finding Your Customer: Dennis Brown, Kim Robinson, En Route, 3pts

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Building your Business Model: Lenin Agudo, Widener Small Business Development Center

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Financial Planning for Your Future: Kersy Azocar, Greenline Access Capital

3:30 PM - 4:30 - Booth Life: Selling at Trade Shows, Juried Shows, and Craft Fairs: Katie Johnson, American Craft Council, Stacey Lee Webber, Stacey Lee Webber

Presentation Descriptions

9:00 AM - Why I Create: Immortal Vision Studio // CJ Wolfe Foundation, Immortal Vision Studio

CJ Wolfe Foundation, CJ Wolfe, Founder, Immortal Vision Studio

Karisa Augustine, Program Director, Immortal Vision Studio // CJ Wolfe Foundation

What ignites the creative spark? Join CJ Wolfe and Karisa Augustine to hear about the “why” that drives Immortal Visions Studios, a boutique photography studio where amateur and professional photographers produce work, enhance creative skills, and earn creative job opportunities. Discover the story behind CJ's passion for photography and social entrepreneurship, and how he's empowering young creatives from underserved communities through the CJ Wolfe Foundation.

This talk will explore the transformative power of creativity in personal and community development, the importance of mentorship, and creating a space to foster artistic expression and social impact.

10:30 AM - Finding Your Customer: En Route, 3pts

Kim Robinson, Founder, 3pts

If you're ready to start selling your products outside of your immediate circle (sorry Mom), this session will help you get there. While you're already a talented creator, are you effectively and efficiently reaching your ideal audience? During this talk we will start to tinker with one of the foundational marketing building blocks: creating a customer persona.
In this session, you'll learn:

Customer Discovery Techniques: Uncover who your ideal customer is, what resonates with them, and preferred buying methods.
- Empathy for Sales: Develop the ability to see things from your customer's perspective, fostering stronger connections and driving sales.
- Building a Buyer Persona: Transform your understanding of your ideal customer into a concrete profile that informs your marketing and sales strategy.
- Crafting Targeted Messaging: Learn to create compelling messages that resonate with your ideal customer and attract them to your business.

By the end of this talk, you will have:
A better understanding of your ideal customer persona actionable strategies to attract your target audience, and the confidence to effectively reach your ideal customers and convert them into loyal fans without sacrificing your authenticity.

12:00 PM - Building your Business Model: Lenin Agudo, Widener Small Business Development Center

Ready to transform your passion project into a thriving business? This session will guide you through the essential steps of building a robust and sustainable business model.

In this session, we'll explore key components like:

  • Value Proposition: Defining the unique value you offer to your customers.

  • Customer Segments: Identifying and understanding your target audience.

  • Revenue Streams: Exploring diverse income sources for your business.

  • Cost Structure: Analyzing and managing your expenses effectively.

  • Channels: Determining how you will reach and deliver value to your customers.

By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of:

  • The core elements of a successful business model.

  • How to identify and analyze key business components.

  • Tools and frameworks to help you develop your own business model.

  • Strategies for adapting your business model to changing market conditions.

2:00 PM - Financial Planning for Your Future: Kersy Azocar, Greenline Access Capital

Kersy Azocar, President and CEO , Greenline Access Capital

Tired of feeling like your finances are always playing catch-up? Are you a creative entrepreneur pouring your heart and soul into your work, but your money isn't working as hard for you?

Join Kersy Azocar, President and CEO of Greenline Access Capital, a mission-driven financial institution empowering micro-businesses to achieve financial wealth and resilience. With a proven track record of helping over 80 clients access over $8 million in grants and loans (including 50 Loans from Greenline's funds), Kersy will guide you on a journey to:

  • Shift your mindset: Approach financial planning holistically, understanding the interconnectedness of your personal and business finances.

  • Discover valuable resources: Explore available tools and resources to support your financial growth.

  • Take actionable steps: Learn concrete strategies to implement today, from budgeting and saving to investing and securing funding.

By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of your current financial situation, a roadmap and confidence to start achieving your financial goals, and a curated list of resources and tools to support your journey.

3:30 pm - Booth Life: Selling at Trade Shows, Juried Shows, and Craft Fairs: Katie Johnson, American Craft Council, Stacey Lee Webber, Stacey Lee Webber

Katie Johnson, Director of Programs and Events, American Craft Council

Stacey Lee Webber, Artist, Stacey Lee Webber

Are you ready to conquer the show circuit? Are shows and fairs right for you? Equipped with the right strategy, selling at these events can be a catalyst for boosting sales, making valuable connections, and expanding into new markets.

During this talk, our two speakers will teach you the ins and outs of successfully exhibiting your work at trade shows, juried shows, and craft fairs. Katie leads ACC’s American Craft Fest and ACC’s American Craft Made Baltimore, the East Coast’s largest juried craft fair. Stacey has exhibited in art fairs across the country, both with her own work and the work of her exhibiting artists, creating a career of making and selling artwork and jewelry.

In this session they'll cover:

  • Researching and identifying the right show for you to ensure this is the right investment for you and your business.

  • How to craft a winning application

  • How to set up a captivating booth to maximize your sales potential and brand stickiness.

  • How to navigate the challenges, while embracing new opportunities, and leave every show with sales and valuable connections.

By the end of this session, you'll have a roadmap for success in navigating the craft fair and trade show world.