YWCA Westmoreland to teach business skills to 'makers'

YWCA Westmoreland County is calling knitters, potters, blacksmiths, jewelry makers and other artisans who want some help making a living with their work.

The new YWCAmakers program will help “makers” of all kinds learn business skills and sell their creations, said program specialist Alexis Hough.

“There’s a lot going on with makers, it’s an international movement right now… we just didn’t see anyone doing this in Westmoreland,” Hough said.

There are three aspects to the new program, designed to help artisans learn, connect and sell, Hough said.

It kicks off next month with 12 weeks of business skills workshops for participants.

YWCA Westmoreland created a new group on meetup.com called Makers Meet Westmoreland, which will organize networking events for makers around the county.

Finally, YWCA will set up a new section of its thrift store on Maple Avenue in Greensburg devoted to selling the work of program members.

The cost for the first cohort of participants is $625 for the 12-week program. Financial aid and financing options are available.

The program can support up to 20 participants at a time, and applications are due by Wednesday.

More info about applying is available at ywcamakers.org.

Hough said the program won’t teach creative skills.

“We’re looking for people who are already making, and want to turn that into a business,” she said.

Anyone is welcome to apply, though Westmoreland County residents will be given first priority.