How To Become A Member

Artisans apply to participate in the program. The transformation of an artisan�s business into an ÉCONOMUSÉE involves the preparation of a feasibility study, architectural planning, topic research, design and transformation of the studio/retail space, addition of contemporary and traditional interpretive materials and, finally, a grand opening. The process from start to finish can take 6 to 12 months.

Eligibility

All artisans interested in becoming a member of the ÉCONOMUSÉE Network must first meet the following eligibility criteria. Once these requirements have been met, the next step consists in submitting a business portfolio for further evaluation by the Network's selection committee.

The criteria are:

1. Be a profitable private business in operation for more than three years;
2. Use a traditional technique or know-how to craft one's products;
3. Make products of recognized quality;
4. Have the ability and the desire to innovate in one's production;
5. Operate throughout the entire year and be open to the public for at least (4) four months a year, or accept to be open to the public for at least (4) four months a year;
6. Generate a turnover of more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) a year;
7. Show keen interest in welcoming visitors;
8. Be located on or near a previously identified tourist route or a tourist route under development;
9. Operate in buildings having the required space for setting up an ÉCONOMUSÉE and welcome visitors (15 to 20 visitors at a time), or intend to acquire the required space;
10. Operate on a site and in buildings of high quality.