Prepare your handicraft venture to compete in the global marketplace with Aid to Artisans’ Market Readiness Program

The Market Readiness Program is an annual four and one-half day training event that combines interactive seminars on topics related to exporting, including visits to NY NOW, the largest “home and lifestyle” trade show in the United States. The program, designed by Aid to Artisans, is for anyone interested in entering the U.S. market for gifts and decorative accessories as well as for members of supporting agencies or groups of the international artisan sector who wish to enter the US market. It is held annually concurrently and on site with NY NOW’s August trade show.

The Programs main themes include:

• Structure of the U.S. Market
• Green & Sustainable Market
• Export Distribution Channels
• Marketing Basics & Internet Marketing
• Global Opportunities & Trends for Handmade
• Costing & Pricing
• Key Concepts in Product Development & Design
• Planning for Production & Quality Control
• Trends in Color & Design

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to tour one of the most important trade shows in the US retail market, accompanied by an industry mentor who will guide you to discover potential markets opportunities for your products. Each day you will participate in facilitated discussions, analyzing challenges, identifying solutions and sharing best practices with colleagues from around the world.

Join the hundreds of men and women, from more than 45 countries, who since 1993 have trained with Aid to Artisans’ Market Readiness Program™.  To view a video with highlights of last year’s event, click here. The next training will take place from August 21-24, 2016.