Arts-Based Small Businesses Receive Economic Education
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMore than 100 Hoosier artists are participating in an annual creative accelerator to help arts-based small businesses. The Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Small Business Development Center have created local partnerships across the state for the On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator.
The national program is designed to educate artists and creative professionals in 10 areas of entrepreneurship and finance, as well as provide ongoing mentorship and development of arts-based businesses. The Arts Commission says a recent study found program alumni have been more resilient compared to similar businesses across the country by retaining more savings and actively managing expenses.
The SBDC, Minerva Financial Arts and the Arts Commission helped form six teams in Indiana.
- Carnegie Center for Art and History (New Albany)
- Indiana University Arts and Humanities Council and the Center for Rural Engagement (Bloomington)
- Marion Design Co. (Marion)
- Pathfinder Services and the Huntington Arts and Entrepreneurial Center (Huntington)
- South Shore Arts (Munster)
- Tippecanoe Arts Federation (Greater Lafayette)
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses make communities throughout the state places that Hoosiers want to live, work, and visit. The Indiana SBDC was proud to work with the Indiana Arts Commission to take the On-Ramp Accelerator statewide and help over 100 creative entrepreneurs develop critical business skills to make them more competitive in the marketplace,” said David Watkins, State Director of the Indiana SBDC. “
Watkins says the next step is for entrepreneurs to submit proposals for a $2,000 fellowship to apply course lessons to their careers and small business development. A panel of mentor creative professionals will review the proposals and provide feedback. Panels will virtually meet during the week of October 18.