CREATIVE BUSINESSES
Please note that the inclusion of these links and sources does not constitute an endorsement by the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District.
Helpful Resources and Updates!
- The Colorado State Fair is just around the corner! Artists from across the state are encouraged to consider entering their work in the annual Fine Arts Exhibition, Aug. 22 – Sept. 1. Information regarding categories, entry deadlines and fees, etc., can be found at on the website.
- America 250/Colorado 150 – Be part of the big celebration! Get your event listed and check out grants and more details!
- Makers and Crafters Business 101 – need help with your sales tax and business organization – see our list of helpful tips for Makers and Crafters
- Host a CSU Student with a Micro-Internship! These can be short-term projects that can typically be completed within 5-40 hours and is due within a few days to a few weeks. These projects require no on-boarding, are paid 1099 and can be completed by a college student with minimal instruction. This is a great way to finish projects you have been meaning to get to, it is also a great way introduce your company to students and see if there is a potential fit for future opportunities and ultimately, it is a great way to support CSU students.
LOCAL RESOURCES
- FORT COLLINS BUSINESS HELP:
- City of Fort Collins Business Support and Roadmaps – for information on Fort Collins licenses, compliance, registration and helpful business organizations
- CSU Executive Education programs and courses
- Downtown Fort Collins – Downtown Development Authority helps you get plugged into Downtown promotions and information
- FoCoFreelance.com – Register or search here for Fort Collins Freelancers
- Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce – A member-based business service organization providing networking, conferences, workshops, leadership courses and business advocacy.
- Larimer SBDC – Free one on one professional business consulting, special creative industry professionals, workshops/classes, business resources and tools
- HEALTH:
- Mental Health Support for Larimer County: 970-221-5551. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. If you’re in crisis, call the Colorado Crisis Line 1-844-493-8255.
- Dental and hearing screenings for music industry professionals through The Fort Collins Musicians Association (FoCoMA) and MusiCares.
- FUNDING:
- NoCo Music Event Fund – Apply for a grant to support music for your event (This fund will be discontinued in 2026)
- City of Fort Collins Fort Fund Grant
- Larimer SBDC – Help with identifying funding, preparing for loans, alternative lenders and business finances.
STATE RESOURCES
- COLORADO BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS:
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and Economic Trade
- Colorado Creative Industries has arts grants, programs, the latest statewide resources and ways people can support the arts
- CBCA: Colorado Business Committee for the Arts has many resources for artists, arts nonprofits, as well as, the business community in general
- FUNDING:
- Colorado’s CLIMBER small business loan fund! These are below market rate loans with favorable terms for small businesses with 5-99 employees. CLIMBER loans are available to non-profit businesses along with for-profit and sole proprietorships. Special consideration is given to small businesses located in rural, distressed, and underserved areas, including communities with low to moderate incomes.
- INFO & SERVICES:
NATIONAL RESOURCES
- NATIONAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS:
- Americans for the Arts has a list of national resources
- Springboard for the Arts brings together artists and creatives with municipalities, agencies, and organizations to create collaborations.
- NIVA – (National Independent Venues Association)
- Small Business Administration Funding Programs
- Small Business Administration 24/7 Help Line: 1-800-659-2955
- NETWORKS:
- Freelancer’s Union
- Alignable is a small businesses referral network.
