Open Creative Economy APPLICATIONS OPEN
🧵

Craft Makers

A dedicated MSME support programme for Egypt's creative economy — helping artisans, craftspeople, and micro-enterprises in fashion, textiles, leather, jewellery, furniture, and woodwork grow into sustainable businesses.

⏱ 4 months 📍 Alexandria & Egypt 🎓 In-person + hybrid
Overview

About the Program

Craft Makers is icealex's programme for Egypt's creative economy sector — supporting micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) working in traditional and contemporary crafts to build market-ready, sustainable businesses.

Evolved from the earlier Craft Pioneers programme — which supported 110+ MSMEs — Craft Makers deepens its focus on six core sectors: fashion & textiles, leather goods, jewellery, furniture, woodwork, and mixed crafts.

The programme combines business skills training, design thinking, market access support, and connections to retail, export, and e-commerce channels — giving craftspeople the tools to turn their craft into a thriving enterprise.

What you get

Program Benefits

🎨
Design Support
Product development
📦
Market Access
Retail & export channels
💻
E-commerce
Online selling skills
📚
Business Training
Finance & operations
🤝
Buyer Network
Corporate partnerships
🏷️
Branding
Packaging & identity
Highlights

Program Highlights

110+ MSMEs supported through predecessor Craft Pioneers
Six focus sectors: fashion, textiles, leather, jewellery, furniture, woodwork
Hands-on business skills and design thinking workshops
Market access connections: retail, export, e-commerce
Mentorship from industry experts and successful artisan entrepreneurs
Community of practice — peer learning among craft makers
Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

  • Micro or small enterprise in the creative crafts sector
  • Operating in fashion, textiles, leather, jewellery, furniture, or woodwork
  • Egyptian nationals or residents
  • Business must be registered or in the process of registration
Partners

Program Partners

USAID Egypt UN Women Egyptian Ministry of Trade
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craft Makers? +
Craft Makers is icealex's programme for micro and small enterprises in Egypt's creative crafts sector — helping artisans build market-ready, sustainable businesses.
Which craft sectors are covered? +
The programme focuses on six sectors: fashion & textiles, leather goods, jewellery, furniture, woodwork, and mixed crafts.
Is it free to join? +
Yes — Craft Makers is a fully subsidised programme. There is no participation fee.
How long does the programme run? +
The core programme runs for 4 months, with ongoing community support available to alumni after graduation.
Do I need a registered business? +
You should be registered or actively in the process of registering your business. Our team can advise on registration if needed.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Open
Duration
4 months
📍
Location
Alexandria & Egypt
🎓
Format
In-person + hybrid
Apply Now

Questions? projects@icealex.com

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