Business Resources
This is a list of business resources to support artists and entrepreneurs. Some are local to Rochester, and some are statewide or nationwide resources. We will continue to add to this list and invite you to submit any helpful business resources you know of to our RAC Opportunities & Resources for Artists Submission Form:
Financial Resources
Taxes For Artists Guide
We wanted to share an excellent [free!] guide by our favorite artist-friendly financial friend, Amy Smith. Amy led our financial well-being workshops earlier this year and is an excellent resource for all things finance!
Remember: "Keep good records. Separate your personal and business expenses. Don’t underestimate your business expenses. Educate yourself. YOU ARE THE EXPERT on what you spend to have a life as an artist."
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OsF4U8g0zc5VwmwEh64QkPdTeRIt423llwbREPdTWnw/edit?usp=sharing
The Rochester Financial Empowerment Center: The OFE helps entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses; promotes opportunities and incentives for home ownership; and provides city youth with financial education. They provide free 1-1 financial counseling as a public service. Counselors will support you in meeting your financial goals, whether it is tackling debt, building credit, saving for a car or home, and more. You can schedule an appointment online https://www.rochesterfec.org/contact or by phone (585) 252-7110.
Kiva Rochester: Provides 0% interest, $0 fee community supported small business loans from $1,000-$15,000. These loans seek to close a gap in funding for early-stage businesses and other small businesses who otherwise might lack access to affordable and safe capital. You can learn more at https://www.kiva.org/borrow or call or text ‪(585) 376-0397 for more information.
City of Rochester - Coordinator of Business Asset Development within the Office of Financial Empowerment: This office is responsible for outreach and engagement of small businesses, program development, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships to support small businesses, mentorship to small businesses, streamlining regulatory barriers, and oversight of the City’s resource database for small businesses. The city also recently launched Roc My Biz, which helps small businesses interact and do business with the City of Rochester. The goal is to help aspiring and current business owners address challenges related to obtaining resources to start, expand, and sustain their businesses while being a constant source of support throughout their business endeavors. For support or questions, you can contact Maisha at Maisha.beard-johnson@cityofrochester.gov
Tribeworks: Here is more information for artists and freelancers who might be interested in working with Tribeworks. Feel free to share this and let me know if you have any questions!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yN171ygQVQZEz7EbSvCU7ArSWASVu5xZ/view?usp=sharing
description of the services Tribeworks offers to organization: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FylwPYAhjR94ELX6mySTkFjqOjrJTeFK/view?usp=sharing
LLC Formation
JustCause
Connecting Legal Volunteers with the Community
JustCause provides free legal assistance in a wide variety of civil legal matters.
See if you meet the eligibility requirements HERE.
Fill out our application and someone will get back to you within one business day.
Contact Info:
Louise Spinelli, Pro Bono Manager (she/her/hers)
One West Main Street, Floor 5
Rochester, NY 14614
582-232-3051 (office)
585.474.7384 (mobile)
Email: lspinelli@justcauseny.org
Email: rmuhammad@justcauseny.org
RAC Guides related to this topic:
RAC Guide: Legalizing Your Business
Business Assistance
Need help with writing a business plan?
Small Business Development Center
Brockport Downtown Campus
161 Chestnut St - 5th floor Rochester, NY 14604
9 AM - 5 PM
(585) 395-8410
https://www.nysbdc.org/centers/centers.aspx?centid=22
Visit Website
SCORE Greater Rochester
100 State St,. Rm 410
Keating Fed Bldg
Rochester, NY 14614
585-263-6473
Email: webmaster.ch23@scorevolunteer.org
https://www.score.org/greaterrochester
Kiva - Technical Assistance
Choose the path of entrepreneurship education that’s right for you. All services are FREE.
https://www.kivaushub.org/business-support
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s platform is simple to use with personalized learning plans, live coaching from experts and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses: https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training?utm_campaign=digital-ready-launch&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=national-kiva&utm_term=misc-national
Accion Opportunity Fund
Educational Webinars: Get Expert Guidance
We regularly host webinars so you can hear from partners and experts on relevant business topics and ask questions. Access these here: https://aofund.org/events/
Free Business Courses: Interactive Learning
As a busy entrepreneur, you may find it hard to make time to learn new skills that could help you improve your business. That’s why AOF has created short, simple interactive learning courses. You can listen, watch, read, and even test yourself in these courses. All it takes is just a few minutes of your time. Access these here: https://aofund.org/resources/interactive-learning/
Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. Apply for their free legal services, marketing support and finance consulting for small business owners here: https://app.startsmallthinkbig.org/application?tfa_8015=001A0000015QTrL
Tory Burch Foundation
The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education, and digital resources
. https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/
The Field
The Field works with artists and arts workers of all disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages to help them reach their goals.
Fearless Fund
Fearless Fund invests in women of color led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level or series A financing. Our mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of color founders building scalable, growth aggressive companies. Fearless Fund is built by women of color for women of color. https://www.fearless.fund/
Untools
Tools for better thinking - collection of thinking tools and frameworks to help you solve problems, make decisions, and understand systems.
Business Grants
Monroe County MicroAdvantage Loan Program
https://www.monroecounty.gov/planning-microloan
Fast Break for Small Business grant program
Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League have joined forces to provide entrepreneurs across the country with grants and LegalZoom services to support their small businesses.
Applications open February 15 and close September 13, 2024
https://aofund.org/program/fastbreak/
Black Equity Grant
Funding up to $15,000 and increased exposure and visibility for Black-led platforms. Company must be US based and its platform must be publicly launched and have at least 5 customers. https://venturize.org/resources/black-equity-grant-program
Tory Burch Foundation
Access to funding is a top challenge for women entrepreneurs. https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/capital-programs/
National Association for the Self Employed
Access Business Development Grants:
https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R)
This program focuses on preparedness and resiliency. We want to ensure that all small businesses have what they need to deal with the impacts of a disaster in their community.
R4R provides resources and incentives for small businesses (500 or less employees), guiding them to take the actions they need to become more resilient. When they do, they become eligible for grant distribution, should the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issue an Individual Assistance declaration in their county.
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/small-business-readiness-resiliency-program
Business Loans
The Enterprise Center at PathStone: Established to create equitable opportunities for underserved individuals and communities. Our focus is increasing access to capital, knowledge, and resources for small business owners seeking to launch or grow their businesses.
https://www.theenterprisecenterinc.org/how-we-can-help/small-business-financial-assistance
Kiva Rochester: Provides 0% interest, $0 fee community supported small business loans from $1,000-$15,000. These loans seek to close a gap in funding for early-stage businesses and other small businesses who otherwise might lack access to affordable and safe capital. You can learn more at https://www.kiva.org/borrow or call or text ‪(585) 376-0397 for more information.
Tax Support
Tribe Works
Healthcare, insurance, retirement, tax support, and community for artists, by artists:
NYCON
Search Directory of Corporate Partners for financial and tax support:
https://www.nycon.org/resources/partner-directory
Sunlight Tax
Tax support for artists and creatives. Resources including guide, podcast, and consultation.
Hello Bonsai
Blog post: Taxes for artists - What you need to know to file like a pro
https://www.hellobonsai.com/blog/taxes-for-artists
NOLO
Tax Deductions for Artists - Find out what deductions you can take as an artist. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tax-deductions-artists.html
Marketing
Meta Marketing
Webinar: Grow your business with the power of messaging
https://www.facebook.com/business/m/Ads-that-click-to-message-webinar?content_id=5mLgzTTElFBXuQJ
Nappy.co
Free stock photos of Black and Brown people.
McAllister Sign Inc.
We have been creating sign solutions for businesses, builders & organizations since 1996. With proven expertise in design, production & installation you can be confident your sign project will be completed to the highest standard.
http://www.mcallistersign.com/
Custo Print
Custo Print LLC
1600 W Ridge Rd
Greece, NY 14615
585-434-5015
Find us on Instagram
Monday- Friday 11am-6pm
48HourPrint
Art Rabbit
Born out of a love for contemporary art and visual culture, and from a recognised need for resources to find art events. For art enthusiasts, this means making art easier to find. For those yet to find their love for art, our aim is to make stepping into an art space less daunting. And for art professionals, we offer access to powerful tools to share, promote, and educate about art and your programmes.
Business Sales & Payment Options
Apple
How to use Tap to Pay on iPhone for your business
https://developer.apple.com/tap-to-pay/how-to-accept-payments/
Invoice Generator
Free Invoice Template
Make beautiful invoices with one click!
https://invoice-generator.com/
Amazon
Create a Professional selling account and certify your business as Black-owned to unlock a suite of resources to help you find success in our store.
RAC Guides related to this topic: RAC Guide: Why You Shouldn't Use Cash App for Your Business Transactions
RAC Opportunities & Resources for Artists Submission Form
We continually aim to keep our Resource List comprehensive and up-to-date. If you have a resource that you believe should be included in our list, please submit it through the following link:
Disclaimer:
The resources listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. The Rochester Artist Collaborative (RAC) does not explicitly endorse, recommend, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of the information contained within these resources. Use of these resources is at your own discretion. We encourage users to conduct their due diligence and consult professionals when applicable. RAC is not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, services, or resources accessed through any third-party websites listed here.
