Events & AwardsOct 04, 2023
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JA, BIJC Seeking Retail Jewelry Entrepreneurs for Business Program
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide five business owners through an eight-month educational curriculum.
New York—Jewelers of America and the Black in Jewelry Coalition are seeking five emerging business owners to participate in their business incubator.
The organizations announced the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP) last month.
EJAP will guide five business owners who have been in business between two and five years through an eight-month educational program designed to help them succeed in the jewelry industry.
“Running a successful business in the jewelry industry isn’t for the faint of heart,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca.
“We created the EJAP with Jewelers of America to provide tangible business assistance and access to ensure participants can navigate past challenges with greater ease.”
The program consists of a series of interactive workshops, each hosted by a different subject matter expert.
Workshop topics include business strategy; human resources and operations; product development and jewelry forensics; accounting; marketing and sales; legal concerns and strategy; insurance and security; and ethical sourcing and manufacturing.
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The organizations announced the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP) last month.
EJAP will guide five business owners who have been in business between two and five years through an eight-month educational program designed to help them succeed in the jewelry industry.
“Running a successful business in the jewelry industry isn’t for the faint of heart,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca.
“We created the EJAP with Jewelers of America to provide tangible business assistance and access to ensure participants can navigate past challenges with greater ease.”
The program consists of a series of interactive workshops, each hosted by a different subject matter expert.
Workshop topics include business strategy; human resources and operations; product development and jewelry forensics; accounting; marketing and sales; legal concerns and strategy; insurance and security; and ethical sourcing and manufacturing.
When the program is complete, the five participants will give a presentation no longer than seven minutes showcasing how they will utilize what they have learned in their businesses.
One participant will receive a $5,000 grant after the presentation, while the other four will receive $1,250.
Upon completion, the EJAP will continue to support jewelry entrepreneurs through periodic check-in calls, quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.
To apply for the EJAP, participants should own a jewelry business that sells directly to consumers, have a business EIN, reside in the United States, be 18 years old or older, and be able to attend all workshops and give a final presentation.
Applications are online and should be completed by Oct. 31.
Industry experts interested in applying to be subject matter experts can also apply online.
“Education access is paramount to success,” noted Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte.
“Through the EJAP, our goal is to provide high-level content at no-cost and to help talented business owners have longevity in the jewelry industry.”
EJAP is supported by the JCK Industry Fund.
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