Open For Business is an innovative pilot program partnership. The program will help 10 BIPOC individuals to launch an artisanal manufacturing business through 2 cohorts (Winter 2021 and Fall 2022).
The Crucible will provide support in fabricating industrial arts products, and instruction and skill-building across a variety of disciplines, as well as access to tools, equipment, and studio space. SFMade will provide business planning and technical assistance including tailored advising, educational workshops and and education around access to capital. All Participants retain ownership of Intellectual Property, patents, and outcomes of creative and intellectual processes, such as artworks, designs and inventions.
You could be a good fit for the program if:
- You live in San Francisco, Oakland, or surrounding areas in Alameda County
- You identify as a Black, LatinX, Indigenous, and/or BIPOC entrepreneur who has an interest in either launching a business selling physical artisanal products, or extending your brand offering.
Fall 2022 Cohort Dates: mid August 2022-December 2022
Spring Cohort Application Deadline: August 1, 2022
Please allow 30 minutes to complete the interest form.
Should you prefer to submit interest in person, please feel free to print and complete the interest form, and drop it off to The Crucible at 1260 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607. Please contact David Banks our OFB Program Manager with any questions at
dbanks@thecrucible.org or call 510.444.0919 x111
Before you submit, please familiarize yourself with The Crucible COVID-19 Safety Policies, which will remain in place for the foreseeable future and throughout the program:
https://www.thecrucible.org/classes/covid-health-safety-practices-policies/#covid