Now that you have decided to take the leap into making your artistic and creative endeavors into a sustainable venture, we are here to give you some tools to make it happen. The course is designed to give a framework for your business planning process. We talk here about "business," but we are also talking about the future of your work in general. In other words, "business" is a means for you to keep creating and sharing your work and make a living doing it.

Set yourself apart through focus and strategy that complements your unparalleled creative talent. This course will focus on artist entrepreneurship, business planning, accounting and legal basics for artists, crafters, dancers, designers, filmmakers, musicians, actors, directors, writers, and all forms of creative professionals in Cleveland and beyond. 

Before you start 

What are you getting into? This course is designed as a cumulative learning process, guiding you through your business plan. Each step is strengthened by the steps that precede it. You probably won't finish all the material in one sitting, though you are welcome to search through and find the content you need. The videos, without reading or activities, add up to about 8 1/2 hours.

This is going to take time. We recommend you designate a safe place for saving your work so you can easily stop and revisit the material (there a

re assignments if you choose to use them). We used binders for handouts and worksheets at the in-person course. Use what works best for you. 

Download the software. You will have access to pdf documents, Word documents, video and slides. Flash may be required on some pages.

Take a breath. For many artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers or any other creative profession, business planning is not intuitive. Many of us thrive i

n organic processes filled with risks, mistakes and a broader vision.

The secret is, business leaders also are required to thrive in an organic economy, learn from mistakes and keep sight of their vision. Use this course to build yourself a solid business foundation that you can continue to reference as a guide. Then let your creativity work its magic.

Please note: This course includes information provided by Third Parties including opinions and advice. Arts Cleveland, Affiliates, and their respective employees or agents are not responsible for the opinions, statements, services, offers or other information provided by Third Parties. Please review the full Terms of Use, in particular, "Third-Party Content and Links; Recommendations and Opinions" for more information.

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