WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains, will host a craft entrepreneurship seminar series for crafters and artisans on five consecutive Saturdays beginning Sept. 30 at the new Greater Ozarks Center for Advance Technology (GOCAT), 125 Howell Ave. in West Plains.

In partnership with Etsy, a leader in e-commerce for creative entrepreneurs, SBTDC is offering these free classes to help crafters and artisans establish an online business to sell their products to a wider market and earn extra income, organizers said.

The classes will be taught by Lisa Schiffleger, a certified Etsy trainer. She has experience operating a successful online Etsy store and will coach and support participants through every aspect of setting up their online shops, organizers said.

Using Etsy as a learning lab, students will learn best practices on topics that impact new sellers the most, including time management, branding, pricing, shipping and photography, to help them earn supplemental income through their craft business. To minimize startup costs, participants will be given the opportunity to list 20 items for sale for free on Etsy.com.

The classes will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday through Oct. 28. To register, visit https://SBTDC.eventbrite.com.

The SBTDC provides assistance to individuals who want to start or run their own small businesses. SBTDC staff work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture.

The West Plains SBTDC serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright. Since they are funded in part through the Small Business Administration, virtually all of their services are free.