Learning Lab

As a small business owner, appropriate, consistent design can sometimes seem hard to achieve. Some of that is down to simply not having the time or skills to make good design work. Other times it’s because visual design seems less critical in comparison to more traditional business metrics, such as cost per sale, customer satisfaction, or new client acquisition. However, the simple fact is that without good design, you have no way of efficiently organizing or marketing what you do in the best possible light. In this course you will learn how to use free and simple design tools to create a visual design system for your business. By the end of the course, you will have a set of design tools and templates to help you streamline and grow your business.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes. Businesses must commit to all four sessions.

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the fundamentals of logo design with a focus on small business branding. From concept sketching to digital execution, makers will learn how to create or refine a logo that captures their brand’s values, stands out in the market, and works across platforms—from packaging to social media. The session welcomes both participants starting from scratch and those looking to improve an existing logo. We’ll explore strategies for expanding visual identity systems, including logo variations for different uses (such as submarks, icons, and lockups), ensuring a cohesive and versatile brand presence.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes. Businesses must commit to both sessions.

Registration deadline: February 19, 2026 at 5pm.

Looking to gain brand exposure, find new customers and develop a loyal clientele? Digital marketing is an indispensable tool for business owners today, but the competition for an online audience is fierce and marketing technology is changing rapidly. This workshop series will teach you how to effectively implement and manage a digital marketing strategy to reach your target audience – using powerful tools that are available for free online.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes.

Forging relationships with bigger brands can be intimidating, and for smaller businesses, it’s difficult to know where to start. These partnerships can be a game changer for up-and-coming brands looking to expand their distribution channels and sales opportunities. In this interactive workshop series, makers work together over three weeks to assess their business’ strengths and weaknesses and build a roadmap to create marketing opportunities through working with other brands. This is a deep-dive opportunity to openly discuss, ideate, get feedback, and strategize on collaboration strategies.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes. Participation in all sessions is required.

Registration has filled for this program. Any new applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

This 5-part workshop series is your roadmap to building a successful small business website that stands out. We’ll cover all the technical aspects, from claiming your domain and choosing the right platform to mastering website design that showcases your unique brand. You’ll also gain crucial insights and practical techniques for driving consistent customer traffic to your site, including tips on content marketing, local SEO, social media integration, and online promotion. Our interactive classes ensure you leave with a clear strategy to turn clicks into customers and differentiate your business.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes. Participation in all sessions is required.

In a visually driven digital world, makers need more than just great products— they need stories that captivate, content that connects, and visuals that convert. “Shoot to Sell: Visual Storytelling for NYC Makers” is a three-part workshop series designed to help NYC-based makers and small business owners build their brand presence through powerful, DIY visual storytelling. This program teaches participants how to plan, shoot, and edit commercial-quality video content—using tools they already have. Whether you’re promoting a new product or elevating your brand’s narrative, this workshop provides actionable skills to increase visibility, engagement and ultimately sales.

Learn more about this workshop and learning outcomes. Participation in all sessions is required.