The online marketplace Etsy is inviting Pittsburgh-area manufacturers to connect with its designers to help them produce on a larger scale.
Local manufacturers and designers – whether already affiliated with Etsy or new to the service – are welcome to attend Etsy Manufacturing Day, a free event from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 8 at the Energy Innovation Center at 1435 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District.
Emily Smith, senior program manager for Etsy Manufacturing, said her program helps designers who want to take their small businesses to the next level.
“If you can no longer sew T-shirts in your kitchen, you actually need to scale your business, so we’re trying to connect them,” Smith said.
She said the service is targeted toward introducing Etsy designers to small, local manufacturers, rather than large businesses.
“Specifically in industries such as jewelry, printing, apparel and machining and fabrication – so, 3-D printing, laser-cutting, et cetera,” Smith said.
The March 8 program will include guest speakers, case studies and networking, as well as the announcement of new grant programs for Etsy designers and manufacturers. It's sponsored by NEXTpittsburgh, a website covering arts and design in the city.
“Pittsburgh seemed to us like a really logical place to hold this event, given the rich history of manufacturing and all the cool things going on here,” said Tracy Certo of NEXTpittsburgh.
The registration deadline for Etsy Manufacturing Day is March 1.
