As 2024 comes to a close, the Minnesota Craft Collective celebrates a year of remarkable growth, creativity, and community connection. This year, we saw an unprecedented number of artisans and small businesses thrive, thanks to our expanding network and the dedication of our members. Here are some highlights from a truly extraordinary year:
2024 Highlights:
Record-Breaking Events:
- Our flagship events, including the Spring and Holiday Craft Shows, drew record attendance, with thousands of visitors discovering and supporting local artisans.
- 250+ crafters and small businesses showcased their talents across multiple events, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Minnesota’s craft and small business community.
Relationship Building:
- Today, 500 entrepreneurs are subscribed to our email list.
- Partnerships with other event organizers, vendors and venues have flourished and expanded. We look forward to many years of continued partnership with all of these partners!
Online Growth:
- Our online marketplace saw over 14,000 website visits connecting Minnesota entrepreneurs.
- Social media engagement on Facebook has been the cornerstone of connecting with so many entrepreneurs. We started the year with 100 followers on Facebook, today we have over 1,200.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
Building on the successes of 2024, we are excited to announce several new initiatives and events for 2025:
Expanded Event Lineup:
- The highly anticipated Eagan Spring Craft & Gift Show on May 3rd, 2025, will feature as many as 120 exhibitors at the Eagan Community Center.
- Plans for additional pop-up markets in new locations across the state to reach even more communities.
Sustainability Focus:
- A renewed commitment to eco-friendly practices, including reducing event waste and encouraging exhibitors to use sustainable materials.
Enhanced Member Support:
- Creating Stronger Community Connections is what we do and 2025 will be a year of action to help us all build upon our past success and take our brands to a whole new level!
- New resources for members, including marketing workshops and interviews on our new-born YouTube channel which is under development, connecting with professional photography partners to serve our members, and continuing cross-promotional marketing in a variety of ways.
Celebrating Milestones:
- 2025 marks the Minnesota Craft Collective’s second full year in operation, and we’ll celebrate with special events, giveaways, and community spotlights throughout the year.
A Bright Future:
The Minnesota Craft Collective is more than just a series of events; it’s a vibrant community of makers, dreamers, and supporters. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, our mission remains steadfast: to uplift local artisans and entrepreneurs, foster creativity, and strengthen connections within our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made 2024 a success — from our talented exhibitors to our enthusiastic attendees and dedicated volunteers. Together, we’re crafting a brighter future for Minnesota and beyond.
