
Are you ready to build a thriving creative business that reflects your unique vision and values?
This 8-session series is designed to help creative business owners turn invisible ideas into viable products and services. We welcome businesses at all stages of development – from startups to established creatives.
The Creative Business Series: Synthesis of Inspiration and Information – 2025
Have you sat in on webinars and workshops that felt completely misaligned for you? Traditional business models lack the philosophy and artistic intentions behind building a business.
We have integrated helpful know-how, professional strategies, group discussions, workshop-style exercises, creative ideology and Q&As to make the best of your time and participation.
This is a no-cost workshop generously funded by the California Office of Business (GoBiz) and the SBA.
This series is being taught by:
- Soo Young Lee (founder of the consulting business, The Creative Leap), and
- Jenna Catsos, who runs local illustration business Pen+Pine.
Join our transformative business series that is designed for artists, makers and creatives who want to move forward with clarity and confidence.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 7TH
WHO IS IT FOR?
- Creative business owners of all kinds: artists, writers, designers, creative consultants, makers, musicians and more.
- Businesses at all stages: from startup to established.
- This program is just for business owners in Humboldt, Del Norte, and adjacent Tribal Lands.
- We are seeking participants who are committed to attending these in-person sessions and building their business. No prior business knowledge is necessary.
WHEN IS IT?
The program runs on Wednesday evenings at 5:30PM from February 26th – April 16th. (2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16)
- Applications will open January 23rd and close February 7th.
- We are only able to accept a limited number of participants, so please take your time with the application.
- Participants will be chosen based on their commitment to building their business and potential for professional growth.
- All participants will be formally welcomed into the program by February 17th.
WHERE IS IT?
- All of the sessions will be held in Arcata at the Startup Humboldt Innovation Hub (876 7th Street). In-person attendance is required.
- Series will run on Wednesday evenings from 5:30PM – 8:00PM with time for Q&A
WHAT WE’LL COVER:
- Your Foundation: Craft a solid business identity with a personal brand, artist’s statement, professional bio and elevator pitch.
- Practical Know-How: Learn the essentials of licensing, taxes, write-offs and bookkeeping from experts and gain tools for managing finances with confidence.
- Social Media Strategy: Establish your online presence with branded handles, bios and authentic content strategies that attract your ideal clients while sharing your process, values and creative mission.
- Marketing Made Simple: Discover creative ways to connect with your audience, showcase your work, and grow your business that streamlines with your creative practice.
- Balance and Flow: Develop systems to nurture your creative process while keeping your business organized and sustainable.
- Your Version of Success: Define success on your own terms. Through journaling, reflection and guided exercises, you’ll identify your goals, acknowledge your progress, and build confidence in small, achievable steps.
- Overcoming Blocks: Address inner and outer challenges—whether it’s procrastination, technical hurdles, or insecurities—and develop systems to move through them.
- Selling with Confidence: Learn how to price your work, set boundaries and create contracts that honor your craft and expertise.
- Community and Connections: Build relationships within the local arts scene and tap into a supportive network of creative professionals.
WHY THIS SERIES?
In this program, we combine professional knowledge with hands-on guidance to help you navigate the complexities of running a creative business.
You’ll leave with:
- a practical business plan,
- social media campaigns,
- actionable goals, and
- the confidence to fully show up in your art, your services, and your business growth.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your business, this series provides the tools, insights and support you need to thrive.
Take the first step toward turning your passion into a sustainable business. Join us for the Creative Business Series where you will discover the Synthesis of Inspiration and Information and explore how to create a business that’s as unique and dynamic as you are.
QUESTIONS? We are happy to help.
- Email jennasbdc@gmail.com
- Call (707) 445-9720 or email admin@northcoastsbdc.org to ask questions.