Business Programmes

The Art of Business and the Business of Art 2025

An entrepreneurship programme for people working in the creative arts

In February 2025 we are launching the first specialist start-up programme in Kinsale aimed specifically at those working in the creative arts.

Programme manager Adrian Wistreich, one of Future Kinsale’s mentors who also owns Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre, has been running a similar programme for potters for three years, with good results.  The team running Future Kinsale’s programme will include entrepreneurs and creatives who bring many years of business experience and mentorship.  The weekly sessions will include short talks by established artists and creative businesses to inspire and motivate you in your journey.

This programme is aimed at:

·       Amateur visual artists, craft makers, writers and those in the performing arts seeking to start a business

·       Those with existing creative businesses seeking to develop their business skills and evaluate opportunities for new directions, or better processes and structures for their businesses.

How does it work?

Run over 12 weeks in Future Kinsale’s K-Works co-working space in Kinsale town centre, this course will comprise two one-day sessions (Saturdays) and 8 3-hour evening sessions, with additional one-to-one mentoring options for those taking part.  The evening sessions will be on Tuesdays 6.30-9.30pm.  There will be some homework and there will be two-week gaps between some sessions to facilitate that work. Regular tutors will be joined by experts in arts and crafts marketing, digital business, finance and law, and each week inspiring entrepreneurs and established businesspeople in creative jobs will come to tell their stories.

Dates

Feb 8 (full day)

Feb 18, 25 Evening

March 11, 18, 25 Evening

April 1, 8, 22 Evening

April 26th (full Day)

Day One - February 8th 2025 (10am-5pm)

·       Sharing the pain

·       Setting objectives and ideal outcomes

·       Ideas evaluation, value propositions

·       Skillset review

·       Plan for the course

Evening modules: Feb 18 & 25, Mar 11, 18 & 25, April 1, 8 & 22 (6.30-9.30pm)

·       Physical space requirements and options

·       Pricing, budgets and financial planning

·       Market research and competitor analysis

·       Design, branding, packaging and display

·       Go to market strategies

·       Opportunities to teach

·       Building profile, PR, marketing and advertising

·       Strengthening the customer-base and customer relationship management

·       Funding options and other supports

·       Incorporation options, legal and copyright issues

Day Two April 26th (10am-5pm

·       Building a simple business plan

·       Presenting your business

·       Moving forward

What do I do to join?

While the programme is open to participants based anywhere, it does require you to complete a short application in order to demonstrate your suitability and commitment. We will check that the course is suitable for your needs and email you to pay your deposit of €50. The remaining €250 fee is due by Jan 31st 2025

You’ll also be asked to become a member of Future Kinsale before attending the course.

Are you looking to make a contribution to the future development of enterprise in Kinsale?

We would like to make the Startup programmes accessible for more young people and adults in the community to take part in the future and to continue to build a healthy, sustainable community - together. So we are welcoming sponsors on The Art of Business and The Business of Art who are willing to cover the cost of one person (€300) or more to take part. Together we can make an impact and support the future of Kinsale! You can sponsor a place here.

1:1 Mentoring Programme

Kinsale is home to a unique number and mix of successful entrepreneurs, business owners and experts of all kinds  We have assembled a team of amazing mentors with experience in:

• Tourism, retail, arts

• Marketing, customer service, market research

• Finance, legal, fundraising

• Design, media production

• Food, hospitality

• Distribution and supply chain

• Internet, IT & e-commerce

• Startups

Mentors offer their valuable time to support you, at bookable times, according to your business needs.  Some of the KEA mentors are profiled below.

Would you benefit from mentoring?

Future Kinsale wants to support local business owners, whether starting up a new business or running an established business, who feel they would benefit from an independent, external expert. The offer is open to businesses based in Kinsale, serving the Kinsale market, or with other affiliations with Kinsale and local communities. Support is offered to limited companies, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.

If you would like to apply for mentorship contact us at K-Works co-working space or by email at info@futurekinsale.ie to discuss your needs