IF YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS…
We’ve Got Answers!
We like thinkers, so you friend, are in the right place!
See answers to our most frequently asked questions below, or contact us about something specific.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Who is Creative Plus Business designed for?
We exist to support creative practitioners and arts organisations at all levels. Whether you are a solo freelancer, a recent graduate, a small arts start-up, or an established creative company, our services are tailored to help you navigate the business side of the creative industries.
What does it mean that you are a "Social Enterprise"?
It means we are a profit-for-purpose organisation. While we operate as a business, our primary goal is to educate and empower the creative community. We reinvest our resources into our monthly webinar series, pro-bono support, subsidised programs and advocacy for the creative sector.
Do you offer grants or funding?
We don’t distribute grants or funding directly, but we are experts in helping you become ‘funding ready’. We can assist you in strategising your revenue streams, polishing your business plan, and understanding the financial governance required to apply for grants successfully. We also have workshops and webinars on the topic of funding.
What accessibility do you offer for your programs?
We are committed to making our offerings accessible to all creatives. For our in-person work, we will always provide venues with wheelchair access and can arrange hearing loops or Auslan interpreters upon request. Our online webinars and courses include closed captions and are designed to be screen-reader friendly. You are also most welcome to bring a support person to any advisory session, workshop or planning program.
If you have specific learning needs or require alternative formats for any of our offerings, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you
What's the cost for your offerings?
We offer a mix of free and paid resources. Our downloadable resources, blog, newsletters, and webinars are all free. We also offer pro bono and subsidised programs as part of our social enterprise outreach. Our online workshops, advisory programs, and bespoke consultancy services are all paid engagements with price points starting from $47.
We aim to keep our pricing as accessible for the creative sector as possible.
WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
Can I book a workshop for my organisation or group?
Yes! We offer bespoke workshop delivery for councils, arts organisations, peak bodies, and educational institutions. We can tailor our Start-Up, Money, Marketing, or Growth series to suit the specific demographics of your group..
Do you offer online learning options?
We do. We understand that creatives work from everywhere, and have a wide variety of learning styles. A significant number of us are also on the neurospicy spectrum. We offer a variety of free webinars that can be watched any time, and structured online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace, covering topics from freelancing basics to advanced financial management.
RESOURCES & REFERRALS
Do you provide accounting or legal services directly?
We are business educators and mentors, not practicing accountants or lawyers. However, we have curated directories called the Groovy Accountants and Funky Lawyers, featuring specialist professionals that we trust who understand creative practice and the nuances of the industry.
I need help with marketing. Do you do that?
Yes. We can teach you how to do it with our various workshops, webinars and online programs. We can also help you create a marketing plan through our services. Finally, we have a brilliant resource called Mondo Marketing featuring people who can help you, places for more information, and free online resources.
ADVICE & MENTORING
What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring?
Coaching and mentoring require the same skills and are both concerned with facilitating growth and change, but they differ in terms of time and outcomes.
Casual coaching available through the CHAT program is generally short-term and very specific. We start by focusing on one achievable goal, and then work towards that in a relatively short time frame (usually a few weeks or months). There is no commitment from either the coach or the participant.
The ongoing commitment of the GROW program is focussed on longer term advisory and mentoring, and usually requires goals that are more complicated or more difficult. This program also helps businesses through the change management process. GROW programs take a maximum of 6 months, but some clients have chosen to continue with subsequent programs for up to a year. There is a commitment to the relationship for the period of time and the participant is accountable to the mentor at all stages.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, our team of staff and consultants are legally bound to honour and protect your privacy and the confidentiality of any communications and personal information shared with us. We also abide by the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics. We will only breach that trust if we are legally forced to do so.
Is there a contract for these programs?
Yes, all of the programs are bound by a set of terms and conditions that you agree to before we start. This is dependent on the program you have engaged with or the way you’re working with us. If you are unsure about the legal arrangement you have entered into with us, contact the C+B team and they will help you out directly.
Where will the advisory sessions take place?
For COACH and GROW programs, we will usually deliver our services online via Google Meet. If you’re based in Sydney, you could also come to our offices in Chippendale. We can work that out with you when you’re booking your sessions.
If you book a PLANNING service with us, we will come to you. You will be required to provide a venue for us and pay for any reasonable travel and accommodation costs incurred by your facilitator. We can also organise a venue in Sydney for an extra fee.
What if I don’t complete all of the GROW sessions – is there a refund?
Only in cases of extreme personal or business duress will you be offered a refund. However, the C+B team will work with you to try and arrange a postponement of your remaining sessions, rather than an outright cancellation, where possible. You will be given a full or partial refund if the cancellation was at the request of someone from the Creative Plus Business team.
Do I have to come by myself?
No, not at all. Many of our regular clients are in partnerships, co-operatives or creative teams. As long as all parties involved in the session are working on or in the business, everyone is welcome and confidentiality still applies.
Is there a guarantee that the program will make all my goals into reality?
No. We are only providing advice, guidance and coaching. While you will always be working with experts, we can’t make wishes come true or do the work for you. We will however provide a way of being accountable, trustworthy guidance, honest feedback and an objective ear. Having said that, we have helped over 30,000 clients in our programs, and 98% have reported improvement in their creative businesses overall.
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