Business & Financial
A compendium of online information resources that address many of the challenges facing artist-entrepreneurs and artist-led nonprofit arts organizations.
(New York)
Accion is committed to bringing affordable small business loans to micro-entrepreneurs. Accion East has provided over $132 million in over 20,000 microloans since inception in 1991, helping to grow small businesses and strengthen the communities they serve.
(New York)
ArtHome provides artists with the tools to create financial stability and, as a result, better conditions for creative work. Events and handbooks on financial literacy and homeownership — plus partnerships with a plethora of NYC agencies working in community development and artist support.
(National)
The earliest major fan-funding site focused on independent musicians/bands, with artists selected through a review process.
(Boston, Massachusetts)
A Boston-based non-profit organization providing a network of strategies and resources to all artists for support and increased exposure.
(Greater Boston, Massachusetts)
The A&BC of Greater Boston establishes a vital connection between Boston’s dynamic business and legal communities and Boston’s lively arts and culture community through two powerful menus of programs – one for businesses, business professionals, and attorneys, and one for artists and arts organizations.
(New York)
Check out the BCNA calendar of small business workshops, located throughout New York City. The Business Center for New Americans creates a pathway to self-sufficiency for immigrants, refugees, women, and others by providing access to capital, specialized training, technical assistance and personalized coaching.
(National)
Cargo’s main goal has been to create accessible tools and a networked context to enhance the exposure of talented individuals on the Internet. Host a certain amount of data for free. Create from a personal website (templated based) to host your work.
(Massachusetts)
A non-profit working to help women achieve economic self-sufficiency through business and entrepreneurship. Training and mentoring services in Eastern MA and Rhode Island, in addition to a wide selection of online course offerings.
(Lowell, Massachusetts)
COOL is the 501(3)(c) tax-exempt corporation affiliated with the Office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events for the City of Lowell, MA. Its mission is to help create a high quality cultural environment that offers appealing experiences to the city’s diverse population, stimulate economic development in the City, and encourage people to participate in the culture of the community.
The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Credit in a Freelance and Gig Economy includes advice from five different experts to make sure there’s a useful experience for every freelancer.
(National)
Directory of music festivals, craft shows, art festivals and fairs in the U.S. and Canada.
(New York)
Located throughout the five boroughs, the City’s Financial Empowerment Centers offer free one-on-one counseling about tackling debt, improving credit, saving and financial planning, creating a budget, and more.
(National)
Fractured Atlas is a non-profit organization that serves a national community of artists and arts organizations with fiscal sponsorship, insurance products, and much more.
(National)
This website will give you basic information to help you deal with your freelance taxes and freelance finances.
(Boston, Massachusetts)
The Transactional Law Clinics are a clinical program of Harvard Law School, providing low-fee legal advice to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Entertainment Law Clinic works primarily with musicians and performers, while the Business and Non-Profit Clinic serves entrepreneurs more generally.
(National)
IndieGoGo offers anyone with an idea – creative, cause-related, or entrepreneurial – the tools to effectively build a campaign and raise money. Started in 2008 with a focus on film, but now serves any artists/creatives/entrepreneurs, and doesn’t have an all-or-nothing policy.
(National)
Link to the IRS’s site for self-employed individuals, which offers free forms, help and guidance.
(Lower Manhattan, New York)
The LMCC hosts two major professional development programs for artists (Artist Summer Institute & Basic Finance for Artists), sponsors grants and residencies, and offers countless workshops and lectures covering all areas of creative entrepreneurship.
(Massachusetts)
Search for a local agency in Massachusetts that can help with free tax preparation, including simple business returns.
(Massachusetts)
The MSBDC Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance, as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis.
(Massachusetts)
MEF produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical reflection on the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media. MEF welcomes the use of the Frances P. Crowe community meeting room by non-profit organizations engaged in civic, cultural, educational, recreational, and public information meetings.
(New Bedford, Massachusetts)
NBEDC works collaboratively with local organizations and dozens of agencies at the city, state and federal levels to promote a business-friendly environment. They actively seeks new business investment by marketing New Bedford worldwide as a top location for business growth and expansion.
(New England)
NEFA’s mission is to creatively support the movement of people, ideas, and resources in the arts within New England and beyond, make vital connections between artists and communities, and build the strength, knowledge, and leadership of the region’s creative sector.
(New York, New York)
Resources and workshops for NYC-based entrepreneurs. Support services include legal advice, financing assistance, and help with permits & licenses.
(New York)
NYFA serves emerging artists and small arts organizations with fiscal sponsorship, professional development programs, grants, and a fantastic online classifieds section.
(National)
Entrepreneurial and small business articles for small and large projects, creating budgets, tax guidance, and saving money.
(New York)
Find free, one-on-one business counseling anywhere in America.
(Massachusetts)
Based on Taunton, MA, SEED serves entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with small business loans, free workshops, and a business library.