A six-week program to advance your creative business and expand your professional network.
Get access to resources available to enhance your business, including:
- Professional Skills Development
- Mentoring Opportunities
- Funding
The 2025 Application is now closed.
Program Details
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
- Creative professionals from all disciplines who have at least 2 years of work to show.
- Individuals 18 years of age and older on the date of the application.
- Individuals must reside in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties.
Ineligible Applicants:
- Individuals under 18 years old on the date of the application.
- University or community college students.
- Individuals who reside outside of the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Training
This six-week program begins Wednesday, September 24, 2025.. Training will be in-person on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.at the City of Austin Economic Development Department offices at 5202 E. Ben White Blvd. A light meal will be provided.
Attending all classes and completing the homework is vital to ensuring participants gain the maximum benefit of the program. Participants will receive a training workbook and The Business of Art: An Artist’s Guide to Profitable Self-Employment book.
Program Timeline:
| Session | Date | Time | Topic |
|
Session 1 |
9/24/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Goal Setting & Business Model Canvas |
|
Session 2 |
10/01/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Marketing & Social Media Strategies |
|
Session 3 |
10/08/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Copyright and Business Structure |
|
Session 4 |
10/15/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Budget & Finance |
|
Session 5 |
10/22/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Grants and Fundraising |
|
Session 6 |
10/29/25 |
6-9 p.m. |
Pitch Presentation Night |
Application Details
Application Review Process
Up to 24 creatives will be selected for the program through a competitive application process by a panel of community arts leaders and practitioners representing a range of artistic disciplines. We strive to balance many factors in each selection process to create a diverse and equitable cohort.
Criteria for acceptance include:
- Quality of Artistic Work
- Applicants' Career Goals
- Overall Readiness for the Program
Testimonial
Listen to an Artist Career Training testimonial.