DCCIA | Business & Innovation
For your personal and professional growth
Business & Innovation Academy
The Business & Innovation Academy is where creativity meets commerce. As part of DCCI Academies, it provides a supportive environment for makers to gain the skills, confidence, and networks they need to build sustainable, future‑focused businesses. Craftsmanship thrives when paired with strong business foundations. The Business & Innovation Academy equips artisans with the tools to build sustainable enterprises. Through online and offline courses, makers will learn practical skills in marketing, finance, digital strategy, and innovation. Tailored specifically for craft businesses, this academy helps turn passion into long-term success.
A Hub for Growth and Innovation
Our academy is designed to empower craft and design enterprises with practical, demand‑driven training. Facilities and programmes focus on:
- Flexible learning options: Online and in‑person courses tailored to busy makers.
- Specialist workshops: Covering marketing, branding, finance, e‑commerce, and digital strategy.
- Innovation programmes: Helping businesses explore new ideas, products, and markets.
- Mentorship and networking: Guidance from industry experts and opportunities to connect with peers.
The DCCI growth course is a comprehensive programme with mentor support that gives you the tools to focus better on the structure of your business ie. realistic pricing, market strategy, sales channels. A very valuable course for start up craft businesses.
Tanya Ryan
Created & Founded Fiadh and Finn
Tailored Programmes
The Business & Innovation Academy delivers structured programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of craft and design enterprises.
- Growth Programme: Supporting established craft companies as they expand into new markets, both in Ireland and internationally.
- Accelerator Programme: Delivered in partnership with Portal at Tangent, Trinity College Dublin, this initiative supports SMEs with strong international export potential. It provides mentoring, training, and networking to help companies scale, launch into new markets, and strengthen customer engagement.
- Train the Trainer (TTT): Delivered in collaboration with GANS/Guilds (DCCI members), this programme equips guild leaders and representatives with the skills to design and deliver workshops. It ensures knowledge is shared across disciplines and reaches makers at every level.
- Short Courses: Flexible, focused sessions that build specific skills and confidence, tailored to the practical needs of craft enterprises.
Previous Short Courses
