Enterprise for Equity supports entrepreneurship through 'Art-Preneur' program

Enterprise for Equity, a nonprofit based in Olympia, is launching a new program called "Art-Preneur" and it's being supported in part by a federal grant administered by the City of Olympia.

Enterprise for Equity seeks to provide opportunities for artists and other entrepreneurs through its program for creative individuals and makers, including those working in fine art, woodworking, crafts, jewelry, writing, poetry, music, performance, pottery and design.

According to Enterprise for Equity, the Art-Preneur program will provide opportunities for creators and makers of all varieties, including fine art, woodworking, crafts, jewelry, writers, poets, musicians, performers, potters and designers.

The program is specially tailored to address creative individuals' challenges in business. According to Enterprise for Equity, it will emphasize maintaining work-life balance and a healthy creative process while managing business responsibilities, such as using social media, participating in shows and markets, facilitating online sales, fulfilling custom orders, and handling taxes and licenses.

Enterprise for Equity has benefited from a portion of Olympia's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program since 2005. Since then, the organization has received $475,000 in CDBG funding from the city to provide support services for local entrepreneurs. This funding has allowed the nonprofit organization to offer microenterprise assistance and technical training through its programs, benefiting over 200 entrepreneurs.

Enterprise for Equity also offers a business readiness workshop to support those considering self-employment, those new to business, and those with established businesses.

The workshop prepares attendees for the organization's more intensive business planning program, a multi-week course covering marketing, operations, and financial planning to help entrepreneurs develop comprehensive business plans.

The city's CDBG funding enables Enterprise for Equity to offer its business planning programs to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. This funding helps make the program accessible and allows participants to develop business plans.