Following up on the success of the EJAP program’s first cohort of five retail jewelry entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts (SME), we are continuing the program with a second cohort of six starting in early 2025. Once again SMEs will lead interactive workshops during the eight-month program.
After the workshops are complete, participants will provide a presentation encapsulating the program’s educational content and how it would be utilized in their business. One of the participants will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant. The remaining four will be awarded $4,000 each. Following the completion of the EJAP program, the cohort will continue to have access to periodic check-in calls, quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Workshop Curriculum will consist of the following topics:
- Business Strategy/AI
- Product Development/Jewelry Forensics
- Accounting
- Marketing & Sales
- Social Media
- Legal
- Lab Grown Diamonds
- Insurance and Security
- Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing
2024 EJAP Retailer Cohort
Patricia Carruth | Your Personal Jeweler, Royal Oak, MICloyette Harris-Stoute | Twin Elegance Jewelry, St. Albans, NY
Soojin Kim | Suu Atelier, Los Angeles, CA
Ashley Perryman | Jewelry Lady, Indianapolis, IN
2025 Participant Requirements
- Participant time commitment 1-5 hours per month, over eight -month period
- Jewelers of America member (become a JA member here!)
- Participant eligibility requirements:
- In business a minimum of two to five years
- Own a jewelry business that sells directly to consumers
- Business has an EIN
- 18+ years of age, residing in the United States, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks
- Willingness to complete the program in its entirety, including completing pre- and post program surveys and final accelerator grant presentation. Participants can have no more than two absences or they will not be eligible for any grant money.
- Permit JA and BIJC to utilize their image and name on their websites and in current/future promotions
- Upon completion of the program, participants will provide a presentation that implements the teachings of the curriculum and how it will impact their business as well as how they would utilize the cash grant
- Final presentation should be no more than seven minutes in length
Program Applicant Terms
All applicants must agree to the following terms of participation
- Applicants business has an EIN.
- Applicants are 18 or older, reside in the United States, and are able to accept US bank-drawn checks.
- Applicants agree to provide a headshot, high resolution digital photographs of jewelry and bio/artist statement copy upon request.
- Applicant grants Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition permission to use their name, business name, educational institution name, photograph and design photos in promotional advertisements and press releases including, but not limited to, print media and internet without any additional compensation.
- Applicants must be on-camera during all sessions, unless otherwise approved by the EJAP Manager.
- Applicant understands that receipt of this award in no way guarantees the success of their business venture.
- Applicant understands that starting a business poses inherent personal and financial risks. Business reputation, management and finances are the sole responsibility of the applicant (and any legal partners), who hereby agrees to indemnify Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition against any liability.
- Applicant understands that this award is a one time business grant that does not imply any ongoing business relationship or obligation on behalf of either party.
- Applicant assumes sole responsibility for the legal use of their own logos, graphic designs and artistic works.
- Applicant certifies that they have not violated any confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements or other employment agreements in the development of their business or the completion of this application packet.
- Applicant certifies that all their design works are completely original and do not violate any copyrights.
- Applicant agrees not to use any prize package components for illegal or illicit purposes.
- Applicant understands that selection is at the sole discretion of the Emerging Jeweler Accelerator Program review committee. Results may not be appealed.
- Relatives of Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition employees, past or present, are not eligible to apply.
Subject Matter Experts
Subject matter experts (SME’s) will create and lead an interactive workshop on their specialty that is 1-2 hours in length. Subject matter experts agree to mentor the entrepreneurs throughout the eight-month program duration. Stipends are available for up to $1,000. SME’s may choose to donate back the stipend back into the fund prize money to be given to the cohort. SME Requirements
- Time commitment of 1-2 hours of presenting to participants, not including prep time
- In business a minimum of two years
- Experience providing presentations in your area of expertise
- Willing to survey participants prior to presentation to get input on the specific questions/areas of interest on the presentation topic
- Provide a copy of presentation at least two days prior to conclusion of program
- Business has an EIN
- Residing in the United States, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks
SME Terms
- Applicants business has an EIN.
- Applicants are 18 or older, reside in the United States, and are able to accept US bank-drawn checks.
- Applicants agree to provide a headshot, high resolution digital photographs of jewelry and bio/artist statement copy upon request.
- Applicant grants Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition permission to use their name, business name, educational institution name, photograph and design photos in promotional advertisements and press releases including, but not limited to, print media and internet without any additional compensation.
EJAP Committee
Regina Ciarleglio | Director of Membership at Jewelers of AmericaAnnie Doresca | Chief Financial Officer at Jewelers of America
Molly Fallon | Director of Marketing & Communications at Jewelers of America
Sharie Fogarty | Executive Administration Manager at Jewelers of America
Dahlia Fyffe | Member Service & Certification Specialist at Jewelers of America
Amanda Gizzi | Director of PR & Special Events at Jewelers of America
Lisa Jones | Vice President, Human Resources at Gemological Institute of America
Malyia McNaughton | GIA GG & CEO of Made by Malyia
Susan Posnock | Director of Public Affairs & Education at Jewelers of America
Adrianne Sanogo | GIA GG, Co-founding Board Member and Education Chair at Black in Jewelry Coalition
Thank You to Our Supporters
The pilot Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program was made possible thanks to a grant from the JCK Industry Fund.About the JCK Industry Fund
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.
