Makers Mill in Wolfeboro opens applications for new business lab

WOLFEBORO — For many artists, growers, and makers, creating a great product comes naturally. Building a successful business around it can be the harder part. Makers Mill is helping bridge that gap with its new Artists, Growers & Makers Business Lab, a nine-session program designed to help creative entrepreneurs transform their passion into sustainable businesses.

Based on the proven curriculum developed by the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, the Business Lab combines practical business education with hands-on activities, coaching, peer learning, and real-world application. Over nine weeks, participants actively build their own business roadmap while receiving personalized feedback, encouragement, and accountability from instructors and a small cohort of fellow entrepreneurs.

"There are so many talented people in our community who have already created something meaningful," Stina Kindwall, Business Lab Facilitator at Makers Mill, said. "The Business Lab is about helping them build the confidence, practical skills, and support they need to turn that passion into a sustainable business. You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to be ready to take the next step."

The Business Lab is designed for artists, growers, makers, and other product-based entrepreneurs who have a business idea or are already selling what they make. Participants do not need to have every detail figured out. They simply need a product they believe in and a willingness to learn.

Throughout the program, participants will identify their ideal customers, build a compelling brand and marketing strategy, price products for profitability, better understand business finances and cash flow, explore business structures and funding opportunities, and develop a practical Business Case tailored to their own venture. The program concludes with a Marketplace Event where participants will showcase their businesses to the community.

Limited to just eight participants, the small cohort encourages meaningful discussion, personalized feedback, and lasting connections among local entrepreneurs. Participants will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply, greater confidence in their business, a supportive network of peers, and a clear roadmap for future growth.

The Artists, Growers & Makers Business Lab reflects Makers Mill's mission of helping people discover, cultivate, and share their unique gifts while strengthening the Lakes Region through entrepreneurship, creativity, and community.

The nine-session program meets Thursdays from September 17 through November 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Marketplace Event to follow on a date selected by the cohort. There is a standard tuition fee with sliding scale options available to help make the program accessible.

Applications are now open. Learn more and apply at makersmill.org/businesslab.