About the program

This program provides Miners with an opportunity to use their creativity without infringing the university’s trademarks while still allowing S&T to maintain the integrity of its brand. Community Connect includes a new, low-risk trademark license that local entrepreneurs can leverage to test the market before entering into a broader retail license with S&T through its licensing agent, CLC. This license is ideal for new businesses interested in producing small quantities of merchandise.

Participants in the Community Connect program at S&T are artisans, craftspeople and creatives who make items without mass-manufacturing processes. They may be small businesses, or they may be individuals. Many types of products are welcome in the Community Connect program at S&T although participants are encouraged to contribute goods to the S&T community market that are not otherwise available through our traditional standard retail partners (e.g. T-shirts, etc).

To apply, go to the Direct Licensing Hub and click "Apply for license." S&T and CLC will review the application and products for approval. If approved, the participant will be notified by CLC. The Community Connect license is good for one year. No mail applications will be reviewed.

S&T will select up to five vendors to sponsor in the program annually. The annual fee for participation is covered by S&T. Participants are allowed to sell up to 500 units or $2,500 in sales revenue annually. No other fees will be charged to Community Connect participants. If a vendor in the Community Connect program exceeds 500 units or $2,500 in sales in the term of their license, CLC will help the vendor convert to a standard level license through S&T's retail program.

Participants, once approved, will be provided with an "Officially Licensed" Certificate to use at craft fairs, on webpages, etc. when selling products.
Items that are unique, handmade and of an underrepresented category. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. S&T reserves the right to reject an application, requesting rights to produce goods outside of the spirit of the program, or for any other reason. All products produced under the S&T Community Connect program must meet S&T brand standards and guidelines. 
This license allows for sales to individual consumers only, and does not allow for wholesale or third party vendor/distributor sales. All items must be approved by S&T marketing and communications prior to listing or displaying for sale. Samples may be required for some items. Vendors can sell products at the following locations, so long as contact information is provided and the license certificate is displayed:
  • Craft shows
  • Farmers markets
  • Festivals
  • Flea markets
  • Fairs
  • Limited online sites (personal website or crafter-hosted websites, i.e. Etsy)
  • Artisan/co-op shops
  • Distribution via events such as events organized by church, school, county or state
S&T may, at its discretion, promote participants in the Community Connect program, with mutual agreement in advance.

All Community Connect vendors will need to submit proposed artwork for all products for approval prior to production and sale of the item. Artwork will be submitted through the vendor's portal to marketing and communications for approval. Licensees will be given instructions for this process upon approval of their application.

Please email communityconnect@clc.com for additional information and questions.