Integrating Maker Skills in Innovation Ecosystems
From Passion to Business
A free 3-part workshop series on branding, business basics and pitching for makers.
Overview
What has been done
In the first workshop, participants learned how to build a clear brand, promote their work, and create a consistent visual identity, followed by a practical session on photographing handmade products. The second workshop focused on the legal and financial basics of running a small creative business, including unregistered activity, starting a business, accounting duties, and common mistakes made by handmade sellers. The sessions included practical examples, open discussion, and time for participants to ask questions about their own ideas and concerns. The cycle ended with an optional pitching session, where participants presented their brand, product, and business idea to a jury in short presentations. The pitching event gave them a chance to practise presenting, share the story.
Why was it needed locally
The pilot addressed a local gap in business knowledge among creators, many of whom operate informally or lack the skills to develop their activity.It aimed to support them in turning their creative work into sustainable, legally compliant businesses. In regions undergoing economic transition, there is a growing need to support self-employment and micro-enterprises as alternative sources of income.
Target Groups: How were they activated and their benefits
Other SME – Local creators and artisans (handmade sector), individuals planning to start a business, and micro and small enterprises in the early stage of development.
Activation: The target group was activated through practical, hands-on workshops combining expert knowledge with interactive exercises based on participants’ own products and business ideas. Additional engagement was ensured through open discussions, Q&A sessions, and an optional pitching event that encouraged participants to actively present and develop their
Benefit: Participants gained practical knowledge on branding, promotion, and product presentation, which helped them better position their products on the market. They also improved their understanding of legal and financial requirements, increasing their readiness to formalise and sustainably develop their business activities.
Resources Required
Staff
Trainers with experience in creative entrepreneurship, marketing, and legal and financial aspects, pitching session jury members, organisers.
Space
Regional Development Agency: FABLAB - training room + workshop space
Equipment
Photography equipment (smartphones/cameras, lighting), laptops, presentation equipment, and participants’ own products for practical exercises
Budget
Small: below 2,000 €
budget of ~1000 € covering staff, workshop delivery, and organisational costs; venue and basic equipment provided by the organiser
Methods & Steps
Core Mechanism
Formats applied
Workshop:
A series of practical, hands-on workshops supporting creators in developing their brand, promotion, and business skills. The sessions combined expert input with interactive exercises based on participants’ own products and ideas. The cycle was complemented by a pitching session, allowing participants to present and test their concepts.
Methods used: Hands-on product-based learning: Participants worked directly on their own products and business ideas, applying branding, promotion, and visual identity concepts in practice. This approach enabled immediate application of knowledge and stronger engagement through real-life context.Pitching & feedback session: Participants presented their brand and business idea in short pitches to a jury, receiving structured feedback. This method supported the development of presentation skills, clarity of concept, and confidence in communicating value.
Steps taken
Preparation and recruitment
2 month
- Programme design: development of workshop concept and agenda
- Trainer engagement: selection and coordination of experts
- Promotion and outreach: communication and recruitment of participants
- Participant selection: onboarding and confirmation of participants
Workshop I – Branding and promotion
1 day
- Introduction session: presentation of workshop goals and participants
- Branding training: introduction to brand building and promotion
- Visual identity exercises: practical work on brand consistency
- Product photography session: hands-on exercises using own products
Workshop II – Legal and business basics
a day
- Legal framework session: overview of business forms and regulations
- Accounting basics: introduction to financial obligations
- Case study discussion: analysis of common mistakes and examples
- Q&A session: addressing participants’ individual questions
Pitching session
1 day
- Participant presentations: short pitches of business ideas
- Jury evaluation: assessment based on defined criteria
- Feedback session: constructive feedback and discussion
Evaluation and follow-up
1 week
- Feedback collection: gathering participant evaluations
- Results analysis: assessment of workshop outcomes
- Reporting: documentation of activities and results
- Follow-up communication: maintaining contact with participants
Results
Measurable and Direct Outcomes
The local action brought about the following concrete results:
- Improved entrepreneurial / pioneer skills: Participants strengthened their competences in developing and managing a creative business, including branding, promotion, and legal aspects. They increased their readiness to start or formalise their activity.
- Improved transversal skills: Participants improved their communication, presentation, and self-promotion skills, particularly through practical exercises and the pitching session. They also developed greater confidence in presenting their ideas and engaging with potential clients.
Indirect Impacts
The pilot strengthened the local creative ecosystem by supporting creators in moving towards more structured and sustainable business activities. It increased awareness of legal and entrepreneurial requirements and fostered networking among participants. As an enduring structure, it established a replicable workshop format for future editions.
Local Outlook / Follow-up
- Continuation and scaling of the format: ARRSA plans to continue the workshop series and expand it to reach a larger group of local creators, including new editions with extended topics.
- Integration into regular support services: The format is planned to be included in the regular offer of the Regional Development Agency as a support tool for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Evaluation
Satisfaction - Overview
Participants were highly satisfied with the workshops and actively engaged throughout the sessions. Many stayed longer than planned, asked additional questions, and expressed interest in further meetings. The practical format and relevance of the topics encouraged strong participation and motivation to continue developing their ideas.
Satisfaction - Details
- High participant satisfaction and engagement: 100% of participants declared high satisfaction with the workshops and their practical format. Many participants stayed beyond the scheduled time, actively engaged in discussions, and expressed strong interest in continuing the initiative in future editions.
Transfer Hints
- Practical, hands-on format: Ensure participants work on their own products and ideas, not just theoretical cases. This significantly increases engagement and real impact.
- Combination of creative and business topics: Link branding and promotion with legal and financial knowledge to provide a holistic understanding of running a business.
- Adapt workshop content: Topics can be adjusted to local needs, e.g. focusing more on digital tools, e-commerce, or specific sectors.
- Optional pitching element: The pitching session can be included or omitted depending on participants’ readiness and goals.
- Too much theory: Avoid overly lecture-based sessions without practical exercises, as this reduces engagement and effectiveness.
- Ignoring participants’ real needs: Do not rely only on predefined content—leave space for questions and adapt to participants’ actual challenges.
Participant Testimonials & Impressions
Impressions
Replicate This Application?
Access the complete implementation guide and connect with the team
Contact: Agnieszka Kowejsza
Phone: 600784414
Email: akowejsza@arrsa.pl
Need more information?
Project manager:
Franziska Görmar
IfL - Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany
Email
This project is supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.
Find more information about the x-Inno Radar project on the Interreg CE projectwebsite.
x-Inno Radar is a project of: 
Creative Region Linz & Upper Austria Gmbh, 
The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region, 
Padova Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, 
Creative Industry Košice, n. o., 
BSC, Business support centre, ltd., Kranj, 
Regional Development Agency in Bielsko-Biała, 
Stebo Competence Centre Community Developmentm, 
Association of Cultural and Creative Industries Chemnitz and Region (Creative Chemnitz), Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography – Germany, Otelo Cooperative