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According to the World Bank, women are responsible for 75% of consumer goods purchases and allocate 90% of their income to their families. Therefore, investing in female entrepreneurship is an investment in the economy as a whole. The IF! – International Foundation, a Swiss institution dedicated to improving the living conditions and prospects of the most vulnerable around the world by supporting education, social inclusion, social entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, health, ocean preservation, medical and scientific assistance, research, and culture, believed that the Artisan Business School was a sound investment. The fifth class of artisans graduated with funding from IF!
Starting out as an entrepreneur
“With this training, support, and encouragement from Rede Asta, we will indeed be Art Entrepreneurs. Why not?” Cerleni – artisan from Vivendo com Arte
On March 21, 2018, these women gathered at Rio Criativo, near Central do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro, to learn about the project they had been selected for. Eight artisanal production groups shared their dreams and their goals for their work, and discovered the current stage of their businesses through a diagnostic assessment previously conducted by the Rede Asta team.
12.5% of the groups were already at an advanced level, and 87.5% were at an intermediate level. Everyone was excited to grow over the coming months of classes and mentoring.
The map drawn up for each group served as the guide for creating the Learning Path that the artisans followed until the end of the course. Angélica Oliveira, coordinator of the Business School and mentor for this class, co-created the path with the students. Together, they defined the topics for the 10 classes: Sales Channels - Marketing, Sales Channels – Product Sheets, Sales Channels - Channel Development Plan, Revenue Goals, Sales Practices, Administrative Control - People, Network Partnerships, Administrative Control - Finance, Financial Literacy, and Production Organization.
“I know it’s a long road to achieve all my wishes, but every journey begins with the first step, and that step was taken with your help. I am very happy.” Sandra Portella – artisan from Sandra Portella Arte em Crochê.
The fifth class of the Artisan Business School in numbers
There were 48 hours of classes and 206 hours of mentoring with the groups, with 90% attendance in classes and a 96% satisfaction rate.
15% of the businesses grew in Business Capacity and Cooperativism
Sales improved by 33%, with a 40% improvement in sales strategy, 20% in Marketing, and 40% in Pricing.
Administrative management improved by 41%, where 40% began registering their stakeholders and agreements, the same percentage started tracking sales, and half began investing in retirement planning.
Group level changes: 12.5% finished at an intermediate level and 87.5% at an advanced level.
Business evolution beyond the numbers
“Truth be told: it was great participating in the business school. Today our group is more "imperative," more dynamic, and much more objective than before. The School is a powerhouse for us!” Cerleni – artisan from the Vivendo com Arte group
Rede Asta is human-centered, and in our projects, we cannot overlook this factor as an indicator of project success. Measuring numbers is important, but measuring results in self-esteem, teamwork evolution, improved interpersonal relationships, and other non-numerical values is fundamental.
Facilitation by Angélica
“It was incredible because the classes opened up new horizons so that our 🐼 could be recognized and known! Just like in the dream on the learning path. Thank you Rede Asta, for everything, for the opportunity, for the quality of the teaching, and for being this network that embraces us with such care and recognizes our craftsmanship. Thank you Angélica for all the teaching and patience you had with us. And also to our sponsor who made it all happen. We at Panda are very grateful for this opportunity! And may this partnership last for many, many years!” Bia – Artisan from Panda Craft Ateliê
The monitor for this class started the project right after finishing her maternity leave. It was a milestone in her professional and personal life. At the graduation, each artisan praised her facilitation and monitoring. She was a central piece in the success of each artisan, who today is no longer just an artisan, but also an entrepreneur.
One cycle ends and another begins
On September 28th, the artisans from the IF! class participated in the celebration marking the end of this process. With the seed planted, we left them the opportunity to continue watering their businesses through sharing and connection. We invited the artisans to form an Entrepreneurs' Circle among themselves, facilitated by Angélica Oliveira, who helped guide everything this class experienced during these months of training.
How to become a Rede Asta artisan
Joining Rede Asta today is through the Asta Platform. Register now and get access to the Artisan Business School right from your home.