Green Leap 2024

A product development program from Monmade, designed to foster sustainable products for the built environment.

Monmade believes artists, designers, craftspeople, makers, and manufacturers (producers) can positively impact regional economies, the environment, and social well-being. To support our producers’ business growth and resilience, we foster green products to become leaders in sustainable design.

Over eight months—beginning October 2024—Green Leap will guide selected participants of all experience levels through the research, design, and launch stages of developing standardized sustainable products for use in development projects. At the end of the program, each participant is expected to create a physical product with an accompanying tear sheet and updated marketing assets highlighting their sustainability efforts.

To support product development, Monmade will facilitate professional product photography, representation of the product in our online catalog, and an industry launch event. Additionally, pending funding, all participants will be eligible to request grant assistance to apply toward developing their product.

Monmade seeks applicants interested in standardizing products and adopting sustainable business practices. Applicants do not currently have to be Monmade producers and can be returning applicants from previous Green Leap cohorts.

See Participant Qualifications and Responsibilities for more information.

Applications closed on September 17, 2024.

Green Leap Journey

The Green Leap program occurs over 8 months, with 3 phases organized for group and individual learning, planning, and implementation. Learn more about the program schedule and expectations below.

Phase 1: Learn

Understand the development of sustainable products for business-to-business (B2B) procurement in a 6-week group setting (virtual arrangements available upon special request).

Topics Covered:

    • What is a good product fit?
    • Why the sustainable furniture industry?
    • What do buyers need when sourcing products?
    • Accessing new markets

Timeline:

Week 1: Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ Wilkinsburg Train Station – 6:00 – 8:00PM

Group session to explore research-based market trends and artisan product successes; discuss sustainable materials and features.

Week 2: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Field Trip @ The Auction House at the Terminal Building  – 5:00 – 7:00PM

Visit a site-specific location in Pittsburgh that integrates creative products, offering a visual learning opportunity to see how artisan products complement traditional furnishings and add a story to a space.

Week 3: Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ Wilkinsburg Train Station – 6:00 – 8:00PM

Group session to explore traditional procurement paths and how to develop products that fit into this process.

Week 4: Thursday, October 24, 2024, Field Trip @ The Roundhouse  – 5:00 – 7:00PM

Another site-specific location in Pittsburgh to see how artisan products complement traditional furnishings and add a story to a space.

Week 5: Thursday, November 7, 2024 @ Wilkinsburg Train Station – 6:00 – 8:00PM

Group session discussing different markets and how creative businesses can access them.

Week 6: Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ Wilkinsburg Train Station – 6:00 – 8:00PM

Group session for design critique on concepts and prototypes. Applications for grant funds to help cover development costs will be completed.

 

Phase 2: Plan

Over the next few months, get to work developing a product for the built environment in this independent learning phase with meet-ups and industry guidance meetings.

Timeline:

December 2024 – March 2025: Work largely independently creating your product. However, we’ll meet periodically for happy hours and 1:1 meetings with the Monmade team and industry experts.

Goals:

    • Create a market-driven product
    • Receive input from industry experts
    • Develop sustainable product features
    • Stay connected with peers for support and knowledge-sharing

 

Phase 3: Thrive

Debut your product and set your business up for continuing access to the building industry.

Timeline:

April – May 2025: Submit your finished product and prepare for the launch event.

Launch Party: Mid-Mary 2025 (exact date TBD)

Goals:

    • Participate in a launch event
    • Leverage professional assets created in this program to promote your product to the industry
    • Continuing strengthening your business to access the market

Participant Eligibility

  • Identifies as an artist, maker, designer, craftsperson, and/or small-batch manufacturer working in Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia, or Eastern Ohio.
  • Able to accept grant funding and product orders through a legal business entity or partner with an established insured manufacturer (e.g. LLC, S-Corp, B-Corp).
  • Willing to apply any grant money received for business use and either toward creating the product or implementing sustainable business practices.
  • Committed to attending all group sessions in person, all 1:1 sessions, completing worksheets, and actively working to develop and build a new or existing product to showcase at an industry launch event at the conclusion of this program.
  • Willing to review and complete onboarding procedures, including the Business Growth Ladder, and pre- and post-program surveys.
  • Participants can be returning cohort members from previous Green Leap programs.

Priority Given To:

  • BIPOC, women, and/or veteran-owned creative businesses
  • Entrepreneurs living and/or operating a business in low- to moderate-income areas
  • Entrepreneurs seeking a loan from Bridgeway Capital
  • Creative businesses with evidence of and/or aspirations for social impact:
    • Creating quality jobs
    • Reactivating postindustrial spaces
    • Revitalizing Main Street corridors
    • Elevating underserved populations

Application Process

Applications were due by Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:59PM (EST). Applications will need to provide:

  • Basic Applicant Information (required)
  • Basic Business Information (optional)
  • Program Interest (required)
  • Examples of Products & Marketing

Program Timeline

Applications open: August 17, 2024
Applications close: September 17, 2024
Phase 1: Every Thursday evening from October 3 – November 21, 2024 (skip October 31 and November 14)
Phase 2: Dec 2024 – March 2025 (independently develop your product)
Phase 3: April 2025 – May 2025 (prepare for and launch your product)
Mid-May 2025: Launch party

Benefits

  • Comprehensive learning experience through a 6-week intensive curriculum in a group setting.
  • Collaborative environment working with a cohort of 8-10 creative businesses.
  • Understanding and strategically accessing markets related to the built environment.
  • Industry access, connecting with professionals for market opportunities and product advice.
  • Professional asset creation and product debuted at a professional event hosted by Monmade.
  • Financial support with a grant stipend is provided to each company to help cover product R&D costs. Companies may also apply for flexible loan capital if desired for their business growth.
  • Option to apply for additional business services at no cost.

Facilitators

Julia Reynolds, an entrepreneur and arts manager with over 17 years of experience, leads the sourcing and development of products for Monmade’s catalog, leveraging her deep knowledge of Pittsburgh’s regional creative network to specify producers and products for client projects. With expertise in branding, marketing, product integrity, and design, Julia provides strategic solutions tailored to the unique needs of creative businesses, helping them enhance their brand, streamline operations, and launch new products.

Katie Schaible brings over 14 years of experience in product development as well as entrepreneurial, logistical and project management skills to Bridgeway Capital. She ran a high-tech design and manufacturing business in which she oversaw the development of multiple products from idea to manufacturing. After successfully exiting her own business, she used her combined business and product development skills to help companies and entrepreneurs work through the innovation process as a technical consultant. As the Monmade Design and Development Specialist, Katie uses her talents to translate design opportunities from larger businesses into catalytic opportunities for the Monmade trade group.

Design Rights & Ownership

Monmade does not take ownership of the products developed through this program. Participants maintain the right to promote and sell their products through any means. Once completed, Monmade will invite participants to include their products in our catalog. Participants will allow Monmade, Bridgeway Capital, and their affiliated programs to use their names, images, and product information for marketing and promotional purposes.

Questions?

For any questions regarding this program or the application process, please contact katie@monmade.org.

View Past Products

Monmade continues to offer past Green Leap participant products through our online catalog. 

View the complete product collection.

Applications for Green Leap 2024 are now closed. Follow Monmade for insights into sustainable product development!