CREATIVE BUSINESSES

Please note that the inclusion of these links and sources does not constitute an endorsement by the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District. (updated Sept 2024)

Helpful Resources and Updates!

  • Music District is offering music workshops – CRASH COURSE is a new, weekly workshop series dedicated to equipping Music District Members & musicians with vital knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the music world. These workshops are drop-in style and introductory in nature, no prior knowledge or pre-recs are necessary. Crash Course is facilitated by Music District staff with expertise in the area & featured industry pros.
  • The Multicultural Business & Entrepreneurship Center offers business services to the community to help businesses with technical assistance. FREE, Spanish and English Services, All businesses and entrepreneurs are welcome.
  • Bookkeeping Help Center – In collaboration with the Larimer Small Business Development Center and local professional bookkeepers and accountants, the Bookkeeping Help Center is operated as a project for the bookkeeping students at Front Range Community College. It provides free bookkeeping services to clients and real-world experience to students under the supervision of professional bookkeepers and accountants. All services provided to clients are free. Contact Erika Limbacher to participate.
  • The Business Foundations Technical Assistance program provides technical assistance and small grants to Colorado small businesses to help businesses legally establish themselves. The program includes 3 required training paths for businesses to complete and receive a certification. Once completed, businesses may be eligible to apply for small grants of up to $1,200.
  • Makers and Crafters Business 101 – need help with your sales tax and business organization – see our list of helpful tips for Makers and Crafters
  • On Demand Business Videos about about selling on Etsy, taxes for artists, arts org formation, sales tax for events and more at the Larimer SBDC.
  • 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:
  • 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.
    • COVID-19 vaccinations Get the latest info on vaccinations HERE
  • FUNDING:
    • NoCo Music Event FundApply for a grant to support music for your event
    • Larimer SBDC – Help with identifying funding, preparing for loans, alternative lenders and business finances.

STATE RESOURCES

NATIONAL RESOURCES

  • NATIONAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS:
    • Americans for the Arts has a list of national resources
    • Art-Train brings together artists and creatives with municipalities, agencies, and organizations to create culture-based collaborations. With separate tracks for artists and agencies, Art-Train helps you use American Rescue Plan and American Jobs Plan funding to support locally-rooted, culture-based collaborations
    • NIVA – (National Independent Venues Association)guidance about venues reopening, advocacy and support for venue owners #SaveOurStages
    • Small Business Administration Debt Relief
    • Small Business Administration 24/7  Help Line: 1-800-659-2955
  • FUNDING AND NETWORKS:
    • Freelancer’s Union
    • Kiva Loans – Yes, 0% interest – no catch. They’re a non-profit aimed at expanding access to capital. Worldwide loans
    • Alignable is a small businesses referral network.