This listing includes resources that provide advice and
training
, networking opportunities, funding & startup
resources for entrepreneurs
, and in other ways help
independent designers and arrtisans start & promote their
businesses in California.
Please email
amy@acclothingandbags.com with corrections,
suggestions, & info not included here.
Designer Resources
How to Create Your Designs (Jewelry Making, Pattern Drafting, Sewing,
Screenprinting, Etc)
-See also Production (below)

The Craft Kitchen -Santa Ana
We have a wide variety of classes in several genres of arts and crafts. All of our classes are taught by qualified
patient instructors with expertise and experience.
www.thecraftkitchen.com

Indie Mart Workshop -San Francisco
For all things D.I.Y. Offers affordable DIY classes to the public. Classes range from the single class for the
commitment-phobics, to the more detailed, multi-day classes for those truly desiring to learn their craft. Workshop
is equipped with a complete silk screening facility, sewing machines, button machines, and lots of tools for cutting,
printing, building, and making. Workshop also offers a library stocked with how-to books, design books, and old
magazines to turn the light bulb over your head to ON

Rock Paper Scissors -Oakland
a volunteer-run organization that fosters creativity and collaboration in order to strengthen local communities and
encourage sustainable practices and alternative models. We promote the sharing of ideas, skills, & resources
through the celebration of art, craft, education, & performance.  
www.rpscollective.com

The Sewing Workshop -San Francisco
For over 20 years, TSW offers classes ranging in subject from beginning sewing to jewelry construction to corsetry
to home decoration to dyeing techniques  
www.thesewingworkshop.com

Stitch Lounge -San Francisco
We keep the virtual lounge alive and post free downloadable tutorials to keep you up to date with the goings on in
the sewing and fashion world & with the crazy Stitch B*tches!
www.stitchlounge.com/site/....

Networking
Innovative Fashion Counsel -San Francisco  
Networking & event opportunities for emerging and established designers  
www.ifcsf.com

Lightbox -San Francisco
First, a support system for emerging artists seeking help in marketing themselves to clients. Additionally we are
working toward creating a workspace and gallery that will house a select group of artists in an ideal creative space.
Lightbox will provide the support, services, and resources our artists need as they work to build a solid client base
and create their brand.

RAG (Resident's Apparel Gallery) -San Francisco  
Blakely Bass & her crew of impassioned indie designers send out regular email updates about what's going on in in
Bay Area design community: designer forwards, shop & event happenings, etc. Sign up for emails & keep on top
abreast of all things indie in the Bay....
www.ragsf.com

Production
MIO / Made in Oakland -Oakland
MIO offers high-quality, artisan sewing sample development and local production to the garment, home furnishing,
and other industries. MIO doesn’t require minimums and as a not-for-profit social venture enterprise of the Unity
Council   
www.madeinoakland.org

Patchwerk Press -Oakland
Collectively owned and operated community screen-printing shop. Offering classes, lab time, custom printing
services, apprenticeship and membership   
www.patchwerkpress.org

Selling Your Designs
-See also California Shops
-See also Fairs and Events
-See also Online Shops

Etsy: The Storque How-To -various tutorials and workshops including subjects such as: photography for your
online shop, pricing, etc
http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to

Get Crafty -How To: Prepare for a Craft Fair
Tips, supplies list, photos, etc
http://getcrafty.com/stories/how_to...

Indie Craft Shows -a directory of independently-run craft shows featuring handmade goods  
www.indiecraftshows.com

Missing Piece -San Francisco
An artist representative agency promoting the most talented clothing and costume designers  
www.missingpiece-sf.com

Startup: How to Fund & Run Your Business
East Bay Fashion Resource -Oakland
Educates students, designers, and entrepreneurs in the fundamentals of the fashion business.
www.eastbayfashionresource.com

Fashion Business Inc -San Francisco and elsewhere
The Fashion Business Inc. is an educational non profit, which has in place programs and services to assist new
apparel manufacturers and small minority owned businesses. FBI has the tools and resources to take your business to
the next level.
http://fashionbizinc.org

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center -San Francisco
Provides programs and services that support the life cycle of a business, and provides access to the tools,
information, networks and resources for every stage of business development from concept evaluation through start-
up, growth and expansion, and beyond. We assess and meet the needs of small business owners to help ensure their
success in today's economy.  
www.rencenter.org

SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) -Programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed. The
Office of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides management assistance to current and prospective
small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety
of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations. The program is a cooperative effort of
the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments and is an integral
component of Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services.  
www.sba.
gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html

SCORE -Counselors to America's Small Business
Planning to start that business you’ve been talking about? SCORE can help. The largest provider of FREE business
counseling to small businesses and a resource business partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA),
SCORE helps 20,000 new businesses get off the ground each year.
www.score.org

WISE: Women's Initiative for Self Employment -San Francisco Bay Area
A one-stop shop where high-potential, lower-income women receive training to start and grow their business. The
business management training, technical assistance, and financial services we provide — in English and Spanish —
improve the quality of life for the women we serve, their families and our communities.  
www.womensinitiative.org
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Sketch: Scatha G. Allison for Jean Therapy
www.jean-therapy.net
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