A Big Business Starts Small

………….lets walk that first Small Step

Entrepreneurships and Startups are becoming very popular in India. Startup India initiative intends to build a strong ecosystem that is conducive for the growth of startups. It aims to empower startups to achieve growth

through innovation and technology.

To promote growth and help Indian economy, many benefits are being given to entrepreneurs establishing startups. The startups recognised through the Startup India initiative are provided ample benefits for starting their own business in India.

There are various forms of start ups as Lifestyle Startups: Self-employed folks, Small Business Startups: Feeding the Family, Scalable Startups: Born to Be Big, Buyable Startups: Born to be bought, Large Company Startups: Innovate or die, Social Startups: Mission – Difference.

Tradition and Technology together are disrupting the entrepreneurial environment, Indian Culture and Crafts are picking up markets and attracting investors to leverage their scale. One such form ‘Amod’a Startup of Handmade Paintings (Ideation Stage) is canvased by a Management Student Ms.Bhagyashree Vyawahare, who wishes to convert her passion into profession is exhibited through this Blog.

“AMOD”….. Startup of Handmade Paintings (Ideation Stage)

Introduction:

“Amod” a startup business initiative in niche segment of art which focuses on preserving art culture specially in the paintings on canvas. Here specific type of handmade paintings to be created and sold viz; landscapes, portraits, abstract art, or any other style to be exceled in. Pre-study and analysis for such business is done in following areas.

Product Specifications:

Product Specifications:

a)      Art forms involved: 1)      Landscapes 2)      Portraits 3)      Abstract art 4)      Geometrical Paintings. 5)      Coffee Paintings.

Product Levels:   Level 1: Artworks This represents the overall category of the product line, which is hand-painted canvas paintings.   Level 2: Painting Styles Subcategory 1: Abstract Paintings Subcategory 2: Landscape Paintings Subcategory 3: Portrait Paintings Subcategory 4: Still Life Paintings Subcategory 5: Contemporary Paintings   Level 3: Painting Sizes Subcategory 1: Small-Sized Paintings Subcategory 2: Medium-Sized Paintings Subcategory 3: Large-Sized Paintings Subcategory 4: Custom-Sized Paintings   Level 4: Painting Themes Subcategory 1: Nature and Wildlife Paintings Subcategory 2: Cityscape Paintings Subcategory 3: Floral Paintings Subcategory 4: Seascape Paintings Subcategory 5: Abstract Expressionism Paintings   Level 5: Painting Techniques Subcategory 1: Oil Paintings Subcategory 2: Acrylic Paintings Subcategory 3: Watercolor Paintings Subcategory 4: Mixed Media Paintings   Level 6: Special Collections Subcategory 1: Seasonal Paintings Subcategory 2: Limited Edition Paintings Subcategory 3: Collaborative Artist Series.

Identified steps to start business in this sector are:

 Artists: It is one of the key resource in this form of startups. availability, their competencies, skills, creativity, flexibility, agility, technical skill, right environment to capture their creativity, is the essential part here.

 

Marketing and promotion: Create a marketing strategy to promote the handmade paintings. Utilize online advertising, content marketing, email marketing, and social media to showcase the artwork and build a loyal customer base. Consider collaborating with influencers, bloggers, or art critics to gain exposure.

Customer experience and after-sales: Provide excellent customer service to ensure customer satisfaction. Safely package and ship the paintings to prevent damage. Offer a return policy, and consider providing certificates of authenticity or limited editions for higher-value pieces.

 

Expand the offerings: Once the business gains traction, consider expanding the offerings. You could introduce prints or merchandise featuring your artwork, offer commissioned paintings, or collaborate with other artists for joint projects.

 

Continuous learning and improvement: Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the art industry. Attend workshops, exhibitions, and art events to enhance the skills and network with fellow artists. Adapt the business strategy based on customer feedback and market trends.

 

Marketing Techniques:

·         Strong online presence (Digital Marketing)

·         Participate in art exhibitions and fairs

·         Email marketing

·         Online advertising

·         Collaboration with charities or non-profit organizations.

·         Customer engagement and referrals

 

Managing Finances by raising funds from various sources.

 Some of them are:

1.      Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

2.      Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprise (CGTSME)

3.      Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification.

4.      Credit Linked Capital Subsidy for Technology Upgradation (CLCSS).

5.      Design Clinic for Design Expertise to MSME.

 

Blog by Ms.Bhargavi Vyawahare

Bhargavi.Vyawahare@indiragbs.edu.in

Mentored by Dr,Anuradha Phadnis

Anuradha.Phadnis@indiragbs.edu.in

SCES, Indira Global Business School