Elkin, North Carolina is channeling local artisans’ talents and energy into new entrepreneurial ventures. A study from 2003 revealed that Elkin and the Yadkin Valley region had a small but rapidly growing concentration of artisans. As has been demonstrated throughout Western North Carolina, small businesses in the arts and crafts sector – properly marketed and supported – can catalyze small business growth and attract tourist dollars into the local economy. In 2004, Wade Nichols from the Piedmont Council of Governments worked with three other artisans to form the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild. A year later, the Guild partnered with the Town of Elkin on Growing Entrepreneurs, an apprenticeship program where local artisans receive education and training in their respective crafts as well as assistance in starting their own businesses. Local art studios and heritage craft-based businesses, combined with the region’s growing wine industry, are attracting tourist dollars into Elkin.

Elkin is channeling local artists’ talents and energy into new entrepreneurial ventures. A study from 2003 revealed that Elkin and the Yadkin Valley region had a small but rapidly growing concentration of artists. As has been demonstrated throughout western North Carolina, small businesses in the arts and crafts sector – properly marketed and sup- ported – can catalyze small business growth and attract tourist dollars into the local economy. In 2004, Wade Nichols from the Piedmont Council of Governments worked with three artists to form the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild. A year later, the guild partnered with the Town of Elkin on Growing Entrepreneurs, an apprenticeship program through which local artists receive education and training in their respective craft as well as assistance in starting their own businesses. Local art studios and heritage craft-based businesses, combined with the region’s growing wine industry, are attracting tourist dollars into Elkin.

What are the lessons learned from this story?

The craft industry, particularly when tied to tourism promotion, is a potential economic engine. Across North Carolina, working craftsmen, most of whom are self-employed, are estimated to generate more than $530 million in revenue annually. Leaders in Elkin recognized this fact and built an economic development strategy around craft-based businesses to help overcome employment losses in manufacturing and agriculture. “A lot of people don’t realize the multiplier effect,” said Jeff Sebens, a member of the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild. “With lodging, restaurants and other venues, every $100 spent on supporting local craftsmen might bring in $1,000 to the region.”

It takes a comprehensive support environment to help a craftsperson, or other entrepreneur, build a new business. Elkin is building a support system for artisans by creating the apprentice- ship initiative, linking experienced crafters with new artisans. In addition to this mentoring/ networking, the support environment includes training and the opportunity to access micro loans, all necessary to the development of self-employment and other entrepreneurial opportunities.