We want to be honest with you all about our current situation so please read until the end to see if there is anything you can do to help.
If you asked me how things are going for the school lately I probably mentioned that things have been a bit slow. Honestly, for about the last year and a half class sign-ups have been very low and we have had to cancel several classes including our 3 Month Intensive. This has put our working cash flow at a low point.
We strongly believe in what we are doing and will keep fighting to provide high-quality woodworking education. It seems that the economy has changed enough that it is affecting our woodworking class sign ups so we are currently looking into lots of ways to remedy our situation.
Here is what we are doing:
- Converting the school into a non-profit. In order to take advantage of donations and funding we are changing the school to a non-profit. Of course, this is not a fast process and will take some time.
- Offering fewer long, daytime courses. These seem to have had the biggest dip in sign ups.
- Offering new home carpentry classes like Cabinetry and Trim Carpentry as well as more evening and weekend classes.
- Looking into membership models and open-shop time
- Inquiring about short-term shop rental or subleasing. If you need space, please reach out.
- Selling tools and wood we do not need.
Here is what we would love help with:
- Financial support. Do you have the means to help us financially for a short time until we are a non-profit? We would love to speak to you.
- Financial investment. Let’s talk.
- Need shop space? Let’s talk about shop rental or subleasing.
- We have some benches and handtool cabinets for sale. If you’d like to purchase one please let us know.
- Sign up for a class. Get a friend to sign up. Take advantage of our referral program.
- Buy a t-shirt.
Please reach out directly to Austin Waldo below.
