In June 2025, the City of Napa wrapped up its first-ever Makers Accelerator, a six-week intensive business development program designed to help local artisan makers grow their enterprises. The pilot effort, created in partnership with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and generously sponsored by Mechanics Bank, brought together twelve talented makers from an applicant pool of more than 30 local creatives.

Now, six months after the program's completion, the results are in, and the impact is encouraging!

New Sales, New Opportunities

An impressive 91% of the cohort report that they have secured new sales or retail placements for their work since graduating from the Accelerator. Participants are selling in local shops, event markets, and online venues they hadn't accessed before, expanding both their reach and their customer base.

Revenue Growth Across the Cohort

More than half of the participants reported seeing measurable revenue growth in the months following the program. Makers attribute this to clearer marketing strategies, better pricing frameworks, and an increased knowledge of the local marketplace, all of which were fundamental lessons from the Accelerator curriculum.

Coursework Still in Active Use

One of the strongest indicators of lasting impact is how participants continue to draw on what they learned: most report regularly referencing their coursework and the custom curriculum long after the classes ended. From business planning templates to marketing tools and sales strategies, the materials have become a living resource for ongoing business decisions. Additionally, participants were paired with a personal business coach through the SBDC, who continue to advise and mentor these entrepreneurs.

Collaboration and New Products

The program has also sparked exciting collaborations among cohort members:

• Ashley Taylor of Napa Note teamed up with fellow cohort member John Parker of McKinnon Furniture, to create a Napa-themed memory game for children that is now sold at the Visit Napa Valley Visitor's Center in downtown Napa.
• Jodi Jusiak of milosc partnered with Ashley Taylor to offer on-site custom products at special events, combining their creative strengths to reach new audiences.
• Natalie Carpello of Natalie Carpello Art developed a line of custom ceramic pots specifically for Michelle Voss's Succulent Designz, blending functional art with botanical beauty in a product that's sold well at the Farmers Market, local holiday markets, and online.

Investing in Growth with a Mechanics Bank Grant

Each participant received a $625 stipend from Mechanics Bank upon completing the program. These funds have been put to purposeful use - from purchasing new tools and equipment to investing in branding, packaging, and targeted marketing campaigns - giving each small business a tangible boost as they continue to grow.

The success of this first cohort demonstrates the value of focused business support for local makers and the vibrant potential of Napa's artisan community. As these entrepreneurs continue to expand their businesses, collaborate with one another, and deepen their market presence, the Napa Makes initiative and the City's Economic Development team are already building on this momentum with additional accelerator opportunities on the horizon.