Unknown amigas traveling together.Unknown amigas traveling together.

Amiga Fund

 

Amiga means girl friend in Spanish and Portuguese (as in pals).  We recognize that many art and craft businesses have suffered a great deal in the last few years due to Covid, natural disasters, wars and uncertain economic stressors. The Amiga Fund seeks to give a small spark to businesses who would like to be a part of Artizan Made, but can’t afford the initial join fees. We partner with donors who want to help and try to match them with these businesses.  (See our Join Page)

The donor pays for one year of their fees, $280 total.  Artizan Made will mentor the shop as needed, helping them improve their business and reach a larger market so that they can become self sufficient. After a year, the shop will hopefully continue on as a member and pay their own way ($12.50/month).

 

 

“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

Amigas encourage.

Amigas encourage.

 

Artizan Made seeks to find new audiences for its members through its website, social media sites and by networking with other organizations.  We can also help our members by providing feedback on their website, presentation, photography and product development. Amiga Fund recipients can benefit from peer support and opportunities offered through the membership. The internet is constantly changing and many of us find it challenging to keep up. Having a support community saves time and energy and helps us improve our reach.

 

Artizan Made works with studio artists, fair traders, small importers and ethical vintage dealers. Our focus is on Home Décor and Eco-Fashion. We also accept handmade supplies, patterns and member books. The Amiga Fund assumes that most donors and recipients are women, but all genders are welcome.  We are based in Paducah, Kentucky, USA and have an international membership.

 

Amigas overcome obstacles.

Amigas overcome obstacles.

Guidelines for Amiga Applicants

The Amiga Fund is a small boost for established businesses that are going through a tough time. Applicants need to have the following:

      • Two years or more in business.  Artizan Made is not for hobbyists.
      • Handmade products that fit our aesthetic.  Most of our products are well made functional craft and wearables.  We are especially interested in upcycled products and members who are committed to sustainability.
      • An active presence on the web.
      • 50 products that can be added to our Market through our import process.  This is done through a csv download. Most well built platforms offer this tool including Etsy, Shopify, and Big Cartel.

 

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

 

Amigas have style!

Instructions:

Interested Donors

A one year membership for new Artizan Made members is $280. You can support as many applicants as you want to.  If there are no current applicants, you can also ask to be added to a waiting list and we will notify you when there are new ones.

Click on the image below to pay for a one year membership:

Amiga fund donor
Amiga fund donor payment.

 

Amiga Applicants

Answer the questions below and then we will create a bio for you here that donors can see. There are no strings attached with this fund, just the understanding that we are living in tough times and can support each other.  Have a look at the Funded Amigas (further down) and click on a couple of them to see how they did it.

Tell your story and send to rayela @ comcast.net  (remove spaces)

What do you do?

How long have you been in business?

How can Artizan Made help you grow?

What are your biggest challenges?

What do you love about what you do?

Where would you like to be in five years?

Include any links you want us to see. (website, social media, etc.)

 

Amiga Fund Applicant
Amiga Fund Applicant

Stay at the Green Roof International House in Paducah, Kentucky!

Funded Amigas – We welcome you!

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Applicants

(Currently, there are no new applicants.)

Amiga Donors – We thank you!

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