Napa Makes: Growing Our Creative and Artisan Economy

The City's Napa Makes Initiative is designed to support local artisan, creative and small-batch manufacturing businesses with the long-term goal of diversifying and strengthening Napa's economy. Over the past three years, this work has included efforts such as:

• The annual Manufacturing Day field trip with New Tech High School
• Awareness-building activities like the 2022 Makers District Walking Tour and the 2023 Artist Spotlight
• Community organizing to advance a public-private partnership in the Makers District north of downtown
• The development and roll out of the Makers Accelerator program.

Accelerator programs have emerged as one of the most effective tools for helping entrepreneurs grow. They combine focused training, individualized coaching and access to expert mentors. This approach helps business owners solve problems quickly, build confidence and translate ideas into actionable plans. Entrepreneurs benefit from direct guidance tailored to their specific products and challenges, something that traditional workshops or large group trainings cannot provide. The collaborative environment also creates peer networks that continue long after the program ends.

The six-week long Makers Accelerator, which concluded in June 2025 and was delivered in partnership with the Solano-Napa SBDC, provided targeted training and one-on-one coaching to 12 local artisans. Graduates reported revenue growth, new collaborations, expanded market reach and new product placements. A stipend from Mechanics Bank allowed participants to reinvest in equipment and technology upgrades, while ongoing support from partners such as the Napa Chamber - which provided a complimentary year of "Solopreneur" membership - continues to bolster their success.

Building on the success of the Makers Accelerator, the Economic Development team is expanding the model in 2026 to support two additional sectors of the Napa Makes community: food entrepreneurs and fine artists.

Napa Food Startup Studio (Early 2026)

Launching in February 2026, the Napa Food Startup Studio will follow the same structure as the Makers Accelerator. It will offer a free six-week online curriculum paired with individualized SBDC mentorship customized for emerging food businesses. Participants will learn about:

• Regulatory pathways for food products in partnership with Napa County Environmental Health
• Recipe costing and menu pricing
• Social media, marketing and AI tools for food ventures
• Opportunities for vending at the Napa Farmers Market
• Funding pathways for startup and growth

Graduates will leave with a customized business plan, financial projections, a permit-prep checklist and practical tools to help bring their food concepts to market. Applications close January 16. To learn more or apply, visit the Napa Food Startup Studio website.

Fine Arts Accelerator (Spring 2026)

In Spring 2026, we will launch a new accelerator tailored to fine artists. Program details are currently in development. Those interested in early updates may email [email protected] to join the notification list.

We look forward to continuing to work one-on-one with our incredibly talented local entrepreneurs towards creating an economy that reflects the true character of our community!