Our Apprenticeship E-Course focuses on giving a glimpse of what it looks like to be a social entrepreneur with a "learn by doing" project-based approach.

The best candidates are self-motivated individuals willing to commit to 10 - 15 hours a week who are either new to the ethical fashion world & interested in determining if this could be a pathway for them or are in the early stages of launching a social business.

We see the Apprenticeship Program as a platform where go-getters can learn from a real world business & can take that hands on knowledge to start something of their own and/or to learn what aspects of a social business that they are especially equipped to do well. The course is for both students & professionals alike.

Each week we focus on a different aspect of social business through the case study of Founder Jen Lewis' experiences over the last 8 years in running Purse & Clutch:

Week 1: Purse & Clutch Orientation

Week 2: What is Fair Trade & Why does it Matter?

Week 3: Brick-&-Mortar / E-Commerce / Wholesale Sales Channels

Week 4: Foundations of Business

Week 5: Strategic Messaging

Week 6: Marketing

Week 7: Public Relations

Week 8: Scalability

Week 9: Final Wrap Up

Process for enrollment in our Apprenticeship ECourses: Submit Application here. Purchase your spot (if you aren't accepted in the program you will be issued a full refund). Your application won't be considered without payment. We will notify all applicants by a week after the application deadline & those accepted will be placed in their cohorts & emailed further setup instructions. Questions? Reach out to info@purseandclutch.com

If accepted into the program, you will be paired with a Co-Hort of 2 - 4 likeminded Apprentices to meet with once a week on Skype. We will introduce you via email & you can decide together on a recurring time for your weekly meetings. We've already set your meeting Agendas for you so you can focus on the weekly hands on projects we've created as well as the discussions at hand.

Here's what some of our Former Apprentices have to say about their experience:

“I was able to gain essential business experience, from marketing to e-commerce. Having a very hands on approach gave me the opportunity to see an idea transform into something tangible. I loved everything about the apprenticeship and feel equipped with the skill set to potentially start my own business someday.” - Jordan from Oklahoma City, OK

"As an aspiring future business owner, the apprenticeship at Purse & Clutch has been invaluable to me in my pursuits. The P&C team have put together a thorough and inspiring program that I enthusiastically recommend to future entrepreneurs looking to change the world through Fair Trade!" - Anna from Dallas, TX

"After this program, my knowledge and confidence to pursue a social business of my own has increased tremendously! Working with Purse & Clutch has made it clear that social business can have a profound impact on the people the business exists to serve while delivering a great product and running an efficient and productive business." - Shara from Boulder, CO

"I would highly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone thinking about creating their own ethical business or getting involved in this space. I've learnt heaps, got a proper reality check at times, and I'm left feeling more inspired than ever. Getting a glimpse into how Purse & Clutch is run left me in no doubt that a lot of hard graft, perseverance and skills are required, yet all I hear when Jen talks about it is her passion - a reminder that the easy road is never the most rewarding!" - Frederique from London, England

"The apprenticeship program with Purse & Clutch gave a me a new perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur. There are a million ways to build a small business but P&C is doing it in a way that is fresh and competitive in our increasingly 'online' world." - Gilyn from Austin, TX

Hear former Apprentice Jacquie Ring talk about her experience on the Business with Purpose Podcast!

Brands whose owners have participated in the program:

We've also had students from the following universities participate: