Coco-op Makerspace Launches Free Artisan Entrepreneur Workshop Series to Empower Local Small Business Owners

Flagstaff, AZ – February 27, 2025 – Coco-op Makerspace is excited to announce the launch of the Artisan Entrepreneur Workshop Series, a free program designed to help local makers, artists, and aspiring small business owners turn their creative passions into sustainable businesses.

Beginning March 4, 2025, this workshop series will equip artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs with essential skills, from start-up guidance and marketing to advanced topics like product development and AI tools for small business. Hosted at Coco-op Makerspace, each session will feature local business experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and interactive learning opportunities designed to help participants launch and grow their ventures with confidence.

"Many aspiring artisan entrepreneurs in Flagstaff have incredible creative talents but struggle with the business side of things," said Brent Barghahn, Executive Director at Coco-op. "This workshop series bridges that gap by offering practical tools and connections to help create a sustaining business around their craft."

Each workshop will provide foundational knowledge regarding entrepreneurship, from planning to real-world implementation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with fellow makers and gain insights from experienced business owners in Northern Arizona.

Workshop Highlights

The Artisan Entrepreneur Workshop Series will feature a range of topics including:

Idea to Action: Taking the First Steps in Entrepreneurship (March 4, Noon-1 PM) – Led by DeAnn Mendoza of Coconino SBDC, this session covers business planning, financial considerations, and legal steps to start strong.

Registrations, Licenses, and Acronyms, Oh My! (March 25, 6-7:30 PM) – Amanda Henry from Coconino SBDC will guide participants through essential legal steps, including business structure selection, EIN registration, and licensing.

Creating Sellable Products by Solving Your Own Problems (April 29, 6-7 PM) – Brent Barghahn shares his journey from prototyping at Coco-op to launching a successful global e-commerce brand.

AI Can Do More than Writing and Searching (June 6, Noon-1 PM) – Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom explores innovative ways to use AI for business efficiency, featuring a hands-on interactive session.

Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

At the completion of the Artisan Entrepreneur Workshop Series, Coco-op will be awarding two 6-month Entrepreneur-Level Memberships to aspiring entrepreneurs with financial constraints. These scholarships will provide access to resources, support creative projects, and help overcome financial barriers during the crucial early stages of entrepreneurship. 

In addition to a supportive creative community, recipients will gain 24/7 access to tools and workspace, dedicated storage, and a shipping address. These scholarships are designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing essential resources to support their creative projects and navigate the critical early stages of business development.

Workshops will be free and open to the public, but space is limited. Registration and additional details will be available at www.cocoop.org

For more information, please contact Callie Spitson at callie@cocoop.org.

About Coco-op Makerspace

Coco-op Makerspace is a member-based creative hub in Flagstaff, AZ, offering workshops, tools, and resources for artists, entrepreneurs, and DIY enthusiasts. Our mission is to establish a lasting community workspace dedicated to fostering creativity, providing education, and creating access to tools.