MAKER to market accelerator

Grow Your Product. Grow Your Business.

If you're asking how to price for sustainability, produce more without losing quality, or turn occasional sales into a real business, the Maker to Market Accelerator was built for you.

This free six-month program gives makers, artists, and small manufacturers direct access to MadJax's Maker Space, hands-on mentorship, business coaching, and real opportunities to test what you're learning in the market. It's made possible through funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Apply for the Maker to Market Accelerator!

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POWERED BY COLLABORATION

The Maker to Market Accelerator is a collaborative initiative led by MadJax Maker Force in partnership with Ball State University's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, City of Hartford City, The People’s Marketplace, and Muncie Makers Market. Together, we're helping product-based entrepreneurs turn great products into stronger businesses.

Is this program for you?

The Maker to Market Accelerator is designed for product-based entrepreneurs who:

  • Have an existing product or product line

  • Have sold their products at markets, online, or through retail

  • Are ready to improve pricing, production, branding, and sales

  • Want to learn alongside other makers and entrepreneurs

  • Can commit to a six-month cohort experience

The program is open to makers, artists, and small manufacturers located in Delaware County and Blackford County. Ideal applicants already have products in the marketplace and are ready to intentionally grow their business.

Whether you create furniture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, home goods, artwork, or manufactured products, this program is designed to help you move your business forward.

What You’ll Experience

Participants will receive:

  • Six monthly cohort learning sessions

  • Individualized coaching from business experts

  • Hands-on technical support using MadJax's fabrication equipment

  • Peer learning with other product-based entrepreneurs

  • Opportunities to apply new skills through established market opportunities across the region, including Muncie Makers Market and The People’s Marketplace

  • Practical tools and resources to strengthen pricing, production, merchandising, and business operations

Every month you'll learn something new, apply it to your business, test it in the marketplace, and return with new insights to continue improving.

Program Focus Areas

Throughout the six-month accelerator, participants will explore topics including:

  • Business foundations

  • Pricing and profitability

  • Production planning, inventory management, and workflow

  • Branding and merchandising

  • Customer engagement and marketing

  • Business growth planning

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • You can apply through our online application. You'll need at least two photos of your most popular products, a list of any markets you've sold at, and a photo of your setup at a market. Applications are due September 10th, and we'll notify participants of acceptance by September 17th.

  • You're expected to vend twice a month from 5-8 PM and keep a booth at The People's Marketplace in Hartford City. Expect to invest 12-15 hours a month, minimum.

    Got more time to give? MadJax's Design Lab is available whenever you need it.

  • Yes! As long as you can commit to the time and expectations outlined in the application, your product doesn't need to be your full-time job.

  • Our mentors can talk the talk and walk the walk! Mentors come from the Indiana Small Business Development Center, the City of Hartford City, Ball State's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, and small business owners with 10+ years of experience.

  • Yes. This program is built for makers who started their business in the last 1-2 years and have sold regularly at markets, popups, online, or retail, and are ready to take it to the next level.

  • Yes! We have funds available to help cover items like a POS system, tents, and tables to help you show up ready for markets and vending events.

  • Yes! Along with education and vending opportunities, you'll get access to MadJax's Design Lab for marketing materials like business cards, logos, flyers, and stickers, plus our ShipYard for display materials.

    This program is about learning and growing your business in real time through vending and coaching!