Artist Resources
Welcome Creatives!
The Cultural Alliance of York County is committed to providing resources for creatives to move forward in their practice, whether you are just starting out or have been making a living on your art for most of your life. As creatives begin to see themselves more and more as entrepreneurs and work toward building a business, there are plenty of resources available to help. Below are links to organizations focused on providing resources including basic information on knowing if your idea is viable, how to register your business, and create a budget and business plan.
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program
Program Overview
- Connects creatives to a Navigator, SBA or SCORE Mentor who will meet with them to discuss opportunities.
- Provides access to grant funding from $500-$2,000 to take the next step as an artist.
Bloom Business Empowerment Center
Program Overview
The vision of the Bloom Empowerment Center is to offer enhanced technical support, attainable capital, and access to opportunity instills York with a thriving culture of entrepreneurship defined by our rate of business births, women owned businesses, and minority business enterprises.
Artist University
Program Overview
- Free workbook and planning guide to set goals for yourself as an artist
- Sign up for their newsletter and free book download
- Workgroup information and video content on making your life as an artist.
All the tools and materials are freely available on this website to start small group work sessions to keep yourself and other creatives motivated in working toward your goals. The Cultural Alliance has hosted these workshops in the past and is happy to help you get started on this route as well.
PA Business One Stop Shop
Program Overview
The PA Business One-Stop-Shop is a new resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners. This guide will walk you through resources available to help you plan, register, operate, and grow a business in Pennsylvania while working smart and living happy. Click “Create Your Checklist” and walk through the steps to get started.
Artists Thrive
Program Overview
- An online survey to help you identify your needs and goals as an artist
- Get customized resources after taking the survey
- Resources for Individual Artists wiki page includes information on sales techniques, grants, how to find a fiscal sponsor and upcoming show opportunities
York County Entrepreneurs Guide
Guide Overview
- A step by step guide to assessing your small business idea
- Directions and template for writing a business plan
- Directions on how registering your business with the state
- This guide is very thorough, we recommend reading and applying what fits for your creative business
Pennsylvania Small Business Administration (SBA)
Program Offerings
- One on one consultation for new and growing businesses
- Series of workshops and webinars on starting your business (English and Spanish)
- Business checklist and sample business plans
- York Small Business Development Office (Based at Kutztown University)
- Hanover Small Business Development Office (Based at Shippensburg University)
York Lawyers for the Arts
Program Offerings
- Match qualifying artists and arts organizations with experienced attorneys
- Provide legal representation at a substantially reduced rate or as pro bono for those who may qualify
- Provide information to the community about common legal issues that artists encounter including intellectual property, contracts, sales, business formation tax and other matters