Getting Started Online: free introduction to business course
Are you a UK based designer, designer maker or skilled craftsperson aspiring to set up, or running, a start-up jewellery or silversmithing business? Getting Started Online is the course for you.
One-week intensive online course with over 100 participants.
Applications open: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Applications close: Tuesday 5 January 2027, 5pm
Course dates: Monday 1 – Friday 5 March 2027
Course times: No day will start earlier than 9.30am or finish later than 3pm (UK time)
Delivery: Online (via Zoom), UK time
Course fee: Free for those who successfully apply
Application outcome: announced within four weeks of the application deadline
Would you like to talk to our team? Call 020 7566 7650 or email applications@goldsmiths-centre.org.
What is Getting Started Online?
It takes many steps to get a business off the ground in the jewellery and silversmithing industry. Our free Getting Started Online course helps you to:
learn business essentials from industry experts
network with your peers and others in the industry
exhibit your work
Delivered through live webinars, the course runs for five days and covers these industry-specific topics:
start and run your creative business
develop your products
brand and sell your work
unlock your sales channels
take the next steps to grow your business
“The information in the Getting Started Online course has been invaluable - real insider stuff that no one else tells you, pulling together the business and marketing skills you really need to make a jewellery business viable.”
Who can I learn from?
Since the launch of Getting Started in 1981, the course has attracted an outstanding line-up of industry experts and business specialists. Speakers in 2026 included:
Rachael Taylor, journalist and editor for jewellery and watches
Toyin Laketu, fashion business and digital consultant
Amy Wilson, brand consultant and PR
Sally Leonard, jeweller and founder of Leonard of London
Liz Olver, experienced jewellery industry professional skilled in design and product development
Zoe Cooper, over 15 years’ experience in designing and delivering sales and leadership training, specifically for the luxury retail industry
The line-up for 2027 will be finalised later.
“Excellent from start to finish. Rich and diverse sessions from industry experts. Felt very privileged to be on the course. I learnt so much and felt very motivated and inspired.”
Do I need particular skills or experience to apply?
We seek applicants who have come through a variety of training and learning routes. Please apply if you:
reside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
aspire to start, or are in the process of starting, or have recently started, your own business or self-employment in the jewellery industry, whether as a designer, designer maker, silversmith or other skilled craftsperson
have completed an accredited precious metal course, an accredited course in a related craft discipline, or a jewellery or silversmithing industry apprenticeship in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ‘Accredited’ means the course has been approved by a professional organisation such as a college or university. Examples of related craft disciplines include non-precious metals, fashion, textiles, ceramics – usually these will have a design and/or making focus. Please contact our team if you are unsure whether your course meets these criteria
are willing and available to attend this online course and have access to a reliable internet connection to do so
Why should I apply?
Getting Started Online will enable you to learn from leading industry experts who will share their advice and experience. You will have the chance to network with like-minded creatives and make life-long connections in the industry. The course will provide you with knowledge and skills, and inspire you to put them into practice as you start or develop your business.
“Getting Started provided the motivation I needed to kick myself into gear. Structured, practical and immediately actionable.”
You can also apply to exhibit your work as part of a physical exhibition and receive further training. Spotlighting Getting Started allows you to build your profile through promotion on our Instagram account, reaching over 27k followers.
The course has helped to launch high-profile careers, including those of recent participants Alice Fry, Deborah Beck, Caitlin Murphy and Genevieve Schwartz; as well as past alumni Ella Fearon-Low, Flora Bhattachary, Tomasz Donocik, Chris Knight and Richard Fox.
Got more questions?
To find out more about the application process and the course itself, read our Application Guidelines and FAQs below, or book yourself onto an Info session with our team and a Getting Started alumnus: