Thursday, March 21st: Virtual
(Virtual-Only, Zoom)

Virtual - Check Your Registration for the Zoom Link

9:00 AM - The "Why" Behind My Business: Debora Charmelus, Founder & Cultural Strategist, and Ray Daly, Ray's Reusables

10:30 AM - Turning Passion into Productivity: Jason Lempieri, Tombino/RethinkTANK

12:00 PM - Fighting the Fear of Funding: Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Mountain BizWorks

2:00 PM - Maker to Mentor: The Workshop on Workshops: Larissa Huff, Woodworker, Furniture-Maker, Teacher and Melissa Guglielmo, NextFab

3:30 PM - Introduction to Retail Readiness: Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, and Megan Brewster, Art Star


9:00 AM - The "Why" Behind my Business: Debora Charmelus, Founder and Cultural Strategist, and Ray Daly, Ray's Reusables

By embracing diversity and giving back, you're not just ticking boxes, you're finding the deeper connection to your ""why."" You're building a legacy that extends beyond profit and loss to one that leaves a lasting positive impact on the world around you. Choose a purpose that resonates with your values and watch your business flourish not just financially, but also in its contribution to a better future.

In this discussion, we'll sit down with two mission-driven businesses, and hear how their stories started well before their businesses. They'll discuss how finding their businesses helped their impact and how you can start to make strides with your practice without breaking the bank.

Debora Charmelus, Founder and Cultural Strategist

Ray Daly, Owner of Ray's Reusables


10:30 AM - Turning Passion into Productivity: Jason Lempieri, Tombino/RethinkTANK

Does your product resonate and reverberate in a competitive product marketplace? Hear how Jason Lempieri - architect, product designer, and educator leveraged his love of research to create a unique, niche product that resonates with audiences. He’ll tell us about how he embraced procrastination as part of his design process, and how he’s pushed past introverted tendencies to communicate his product story to retailers and customers.

Jason Lempieri, President & Catalyst of Tombino/RethinkTANK


12:00 PM - Fighting the Fear of Funding: Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Mountain BizWorks

Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Business Growth Specialist at Mountain BizWorks

Ditch the debt dread and discover funding freedom for your small business. Join us for this discussion, where we'll break down the barriers to financial growth and empower you to explore alternative funding models for your small business with Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith with Mountain BizWorks. She'll discuss different funding options, such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and revenue-based financing. Understand the pros and cons of traditional loans and navigate them with confidence. By the end of this talk, you'll have practical strategies to overcome anxieties and be equipped with a toolbox of adaptable funding options tailored to your business goals.


2:00 PM - Maker to Mentor: The Workshop on Workshops: Larissa Huff, Woodworker, Furniture-Maker, Teacher and Melissa Guglielmo, NextFab

Feeling stuck with just selling your crafts? You're not alone! Many makers discover a hidden passion and unlock new financial opportunities by sharing their expertise through workshops and teaching.

In this discussion explore the exciting world of turning your making skills into income-generating knowledge. We'll delve into why teaching is a powerful (and profitable) revenue stream for makers, discover different teaching styles, platforms, and pricing strategies to suit your niche and audience, and uncover the potential of online platforms like Skillshare, Patreon, and Udemy to reach a global audience. By the end of this talk, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed to teach your craft.

Melissa Guglielmo, Director of Programming & Jewelry Supervisor at NextFab


3:30 PM - Introduction to Retail Readiness: Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, and Megan Brewster, Art Star

Ever dreamed of seeing your handcrafted creations gracing the shelves of a charming boutique or popping up at a trendy market? The transition from passionate maker to retail-ready entrepreneur can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this discussion, we'll equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the world of retail, increase your chances of landing coveted store placements and pop-up opportunities, and ultimately turn your maker dreams into a thriving reality.

Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly

Megan Brewster, Co-Owner of Art Star