Growing U: Naming Your Business: From Brainstorm to Shortlist

Your business name carries a lot. It introduces what you offer, gives people a feel for your work, and helps you stand out.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how to brainstorm business names that reflect what you make or offer, who it’s for, and the kind of experience you want people to have.

We’ll look at different types of names, simple brainstorming methods, and practical checks to make sure your name works in the real world.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or rethinking a name that no longer fits, this session will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

If you've been participating in the Growing U Marketing Foundations Series, this is your next session. AND, no previous participation required.

• A clearer understanding of what makes a strong, effective business name
• A shortlist of name ideas based on your product/service and audience
• Simple ways to test if a name feels right, makes sense, and can grow with you
• An overview of different naming styles (descriptive, suggestive, creative, etc.)
• A practical checklist for next steps (domain, trademark, availability)

This workshop is hands-on, practical, and designed to help you make real progress.

You'll:

• Use what you already know about your business—what you make, who it’s for, and how you want people to feel
• Try simple brainstorming techniques to generate ideas
• Learn how to narrow down your options using real-world criteria
• Leave with a working list of names (not just inspiration)

You’ll leave with a working list of names—not just ideas floating around.

• A notebook and laptop/phone
• A short description of what you offer (product or service) (1–2 sentences is perfect — what you make/do and who it’s for)
• Any business name ideas you’ve already been considering
• Optional: notes on your audience, style, brand, or past Marketing Foundations workshop materials
• An open mind — this is a workshop for exploration, not pressure to have the final answer that day

This workshop is for makers, artists, and small business owners who:

• Are naming a new business, product line, or creative venture
• Want a name that better reflects what they offer and who it’s for
• Feel stuck between too many ideas—or no ideas at all
• Want help choosing a name that feels right and works in the real world

No previous workshop attendance required—just come with what you have.

📍 CCM Members Only. Register today to secure your spot!

This workshop is part of a larger marketing series led by Growing U Coach Kate Peabody designed to help small businesses in the art and maker space build and execute effective marketing strategies. Growing U is an exclusive program for Clear Creek Makerspace members.

The mission is to take you to the next step in your creative flow, entrepreneurship dreams, and for you to feel at home at the Clear Creek Makerspace. As a member of CCM you have EXCLUSIVE access to professional coaches.

Workshops with Coach Kate of guide participants in focused learning, development and conversation on specific topics, where she - along with additional subject matter experts at times - will provide specific guidance and resources; and answer your related questions. Think about everything from the maker’s mindset and burnout management to how to write a business plan; the nuts and bolts of starting a business; or building a brand and marketing strategy.

Kate Peabody, MBA, is an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach pairing positive-psychology-based coaching with more than fifteen years of corporate & small business leadership, creative confidence and design-thinking experience. Kate loves being part of the CCM community to help makers balance work, life and time for their holistic wellbeing, and explore and take action on their potential as a professional maker.

You can expect to hear cheesy puns and alliterations, and see her learning and making in the space herself – as 75% of what Kate owns are art and craft supplies. Clay, paint, markers, chalk, charcoal, yarn, embroidery, stamps, paper and canvases, fabric, bits and bobs she thinks she could make something great out of…

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Clear Creek Makerspace