ONLINE (National): Multi-Hat Marketing
2024-07-25 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney)
DO YOU WEAR MANY PROFESSIONAL HATS?

Creatives are very often ‘slashies’ — working in multiple professions at the same time, like the actor/designer/director. This is a great strategy, as it maximises your ability to make money, but it can be super tricky to get the marketing right.

This FREE webinar covers the tips we’ve learned from our own ‘slashie’ lives and the experiences of our creative clients to help you get the balance right. We’ll be looking at:

+ How to follow the money

+ Understanding the clients.

+ Figuring out your ‘enterprise’ vs your ‘entity’.

+ Having multiple digital profiles.

+ Juggling the time.

+ More helpful resources and tips.

Part of our Evening Education Series!BOOK NOW

What’s Included? A 60 minute webinar with our creative industries experts (which you can access later if you want), plus lifetime access to additional resources.

Who’s it for? Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, students and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (international sign-ups welcome!). We also welcome curious hobbyists and people from outside the creative industries.

Who are the Hosts?

Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

Robbi James is Creative Plus Business’ Head of Marketing. He’s a producer, theatre maker, and marketing whizz who has built a portfolio career across media, business and brand development, public relations, and project management. Over the years he’s helped dozens of creative projects and companies market their work across Australia. Before joining Creative Plus Business he led national touring company Critical Stages first as its Marketing Manager and later as its CEO, and co-founded the highly successful Rogue Projects theatre company. He is currently also the producer of Salon, the NSW arts market and conference for live performance in NSW/ACT.

What’s Creative Plus Business? We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Click the Book Now link below to reserve your place now. BOOK NOW

ONLINE (NSW): Creative's Guide to Marketing
2024-07-23 12:00 - 14:00
Many creatives hate the idea of selling, but what if marketing could be more than impersonal hustle? How about a strategic approach that focuses on people first?

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business or working in the arts. Most creatives hate to sell and would rather be making than hustling. However, there is a simple solution to making marketing more palatable – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. The Creative’s Guide to Marketing workshop shares a simple six-step marketing approach that has been designed to take the pain out of promotion.

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Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Re-imagining traditional marketing in a way that makes sense for creativity and the arts.

+ Getting the foundational elements of “YOU” marketing right, without the terror of a deadline.

+ Understating the breadth of our ‘customers’, from clients to funding bodies to audience.

+ Knowing and learning from our peers, and from word-of-mouth.

+ Choosing the best digital and ‘old school’ tactics to help achieve your marketing goals.

More resources and templates will also be provided to help create a marketing action plan.

This workshop has been designed by creatives for creatives and includes ideas for ‘homework’.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links,

+ A Marketing Plan Template and Action Plan Template to assist with future marketing,

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown – Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

BOOK NOW

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

LITHGOW: Financial Literacy for Creatives
2024-07-12 10:00 - 12:00
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTS OUT WEST

You can be a professional creative without being a starving artist. Financial literacy may not come naturally, but the secrets of managing money can be learned.

Making a living and building a business means understanding how money works, but the financial situation for creatives can be tricky. Navigating the numbers is not always a happy place, emotions can be overpowering, and who ever learned the basics of business money and financial literacy during their arts training? Financial Literacy for Creatives is a surprisingly fun and practical workshop designed specifically by creatives, for creatives, with a range of tips and insights into navigating the realities of financial management in a professional arts practice.

BOOK NOW

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on professional arts practice:+ Introduction to the ‘Famine and the Feast’, and understanding how to weather the natural ups and downs of creative income.+ Ways to make better financial decisions by using the cost-benefits analysis tool.+ Learning the basics of budgets and cash flow projection to help navigate financial irregularity.+ The essential paperwork, including managing invoices and receipts.+ Practical steps to getting financially organised, including the best cloud accounting tools.+ More resources and places to go for help.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Ideal for: This workshop is tailored specifically to creative people who are (or want to be) self-employed in some capacity. It is ideal for recent graduates, freelancers and small arts organisations.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Gang Gang Gallery, 206 Main Street, Lithgow NSW 2790

BOOK NOW

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025

BATHURST: Creative Wellbeing
2024-07-11 12:00 - 14:00
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTS OUT WEST

Taking care of our wellbeing is vital for creative professionals. Without safeguarding the easy and artistic flow of ideas, it’s more than our health that might suffer.

Using your creativity for professional work is both rewarding and taxing. While there’s immense satisfaction in building a business around your artistic vision, the constant pressure to deliver and the emotional rollercoaster of the creative process can lead to burnout.

Creative Wellbeing is a unique workshop designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to not only flourish creatively, but also fuel the success of your creative business.

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Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The definition of wellbeing and how it manifests in physical, mental, and emotional ways.

+ Defining ‘Creative Wellbeing’ as another aspect of self-care and understanding.

+ Some of the aspects of ‘Creative Illness’, including imposterism and self-sabotage.

+ Understanding Burnout and the significant ways it impacts of creative professionals.

+ Practical ways to respect and safeguard creative wellbeing in daily professional life.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Ideal for: This workshop is tailored specifically to creative people who are (or want to be) self-employed in some capacity. It is ideal for recent graduates, freelancers and small arts organisations.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Tableland Artists (t.Arts) Cooperative Gallery, 76 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW 2795

BOOK NOW

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

COOMA: Pricing for Creatives
2024-06-28 13:00 - 15:00
CREATIVE COSTING, PRICING AND SHARING YOUR WORTH

Working out what to charge for creative products and services can be a colossal challenge. Where to even start? Pricing for Creatives is a practical workshop that covers the basics of figuring out the price point for creative work, including calculating costs and understanding what the market can bear. Pricing for Creatives is vital for anyone struggling to understand the value of their own work, and how to share that value with others.

BOOK NOW

Participants will also discuss the larger issues of:+ Understanding budgets, including the value of time

+ The psychology of pricing.

+ Where cost and price overlap and intersect.

+ Understanding the marketplace (and market research).

+ Creating loss leaders and more.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Pricing for Creatives Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

All questions are welcome in this relaxed, safe and inclusive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to share their own experiences and network with their fellow practitioners.

Who is it for? Creative freelancers, established practitioners, arts organisations.

Who is presenting? Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What is NSW Business Connect? Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

What’s Creative Plus Business? We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Country Universities Centre, 38 Bombala St, Cooma NSW 2630

BOOK NOW

This workshop is funded by NSW Business Connect, a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

COOMA: Diversify Your Creative Income
2024-06-28 10:00 - 12:00
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTH EAST ARTS

Creative businesses often need help to brainstorm all the possible ways to diversify their income streams (especially now!) and become more financially sustainable. Diversify Your Creative Income is an interactive workshop that allows participants to discuss the various general ways that creatives can make money (including services, goods and passive income), and includes practical exercises to help brainstorm those ideas.

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This workshop examines:+ Identifying your Core and Complementary Skills;+ The Minimum Viable Offering;+ Using a Skills Audit to inspire ideas;+ How to identify a ‘good’ idea;+ Helpful resources and more!

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Diversify Your Creative Income Dropbox folder full of additional resources and help;+ Access to a dedicated webpage full of links and resources to help them get ahead in their creative business.

Who is it for?This workshop is ideal for recent graduates, freelancers and anyone struggling with time, work and creativity. It’s also relevant no matter what your profession—filmmakers, writers, designers, visual artists, musicians, composers, dancers, performers—everyone can benefit from a quick introduction or refresher to the basics of time management and setting goals.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

What is NSW Business Connect? Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Country Universities Centre, 38 Bombala St, Cooma NSW 2630

BOOK NOW

This workshop is sponsored by NSW Business Connect, a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

ONLINE (National): Tax Time for Creatives
2024-06-24 18:00 - 20:00
All creatives, arts organisations and small businesses need to understand how their tax rights and responsibilities work – but it’s all so boring! And where to begin?

Tax is painful but an inevitable part of surviving and thriving in the creative industries. Managing the annual and ongoing obligations of tax as a creative means getting an understanding what’s involved in the first place, getting organised, and learning about the unique position that creative professionals hold in the Australian tax landscape. It’s not fun, but a few simple tips and tricks (and a friendly face) can help. ‘Tax Time for Creatives’ is a workshop that covers the basics of how tax works for creative professionals, the intersection between individual tax and small business, and how key creative tax rulings can help creative practitioners in the tax world.

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With a specific focus on the arts and creative industries, participants will learn:

+ Understanding what basics of how tax works – jargon, income, expenses, and what to pay.

+ How to calculate ‘taxable income’ and ‘assessable income’.

+ The key creative tax rulings, and what they mean in practical terms.

+ Hobby vs Business, how to work it out, and why it matters.

+ The basics of tax deductions and how to figure out what you’re entitled to.

+ Easy tips and tricks for getting organisation, record keeping, and cloud accounting platforms.

+ Where to get help – an introduction to the Groovy Accountants.

‘Tax Time for Creatives’ is a collaborative workshop and participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A Workbook to assist with the practical elements of the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist, performer, and filmmaker. Monica has a Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business from AFTRS, and was appointed as Australia’s first Creative Industries Business Advisor in 2013. In 2016 Monica founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, an organisation dedicated to educating creatives about small business skills, financial literacy, and marketing.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: This webinar will be provided via Crowdcast. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Click the Book Now link below to reserve your place now. BOOK NOW

ADELAIDE HILLS: Artselerate SA
2024-06-21 09:00 - 2024-06-22 17:00
Submit Your Application

Download the Program

In Partnership with the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business.

ARTSELERATE SA is a unique program specifically for creative practitioners and arts professionals that combines all the benefits of a business incubator, start-up accelerator, creative collaboration and networking opportunity. The outcome is a fast and practical approach to business and strategic planning for creatives making their own work.

What to Expect

Here’s what to expect if you join us for Artselerate:

+ A little bit of pre-work to introduce the incubator content, with a focus on cultural safety.

+ 2 x 2 day sessions full of tutorials, guest speakers, practical activities, resource sharing, and networking opportunities.

+ 4 x 1-hour creative business mentor meetings (optional extra).

+ Participation in our guided ‘Buddy’ peer support program.

+ Ongoing connection to the Artselerate Alumni.

Plus a whole lot more. Phew! So much goodness jam packed into one program.

Who’s it For?

Artselerate is a program designed for creative practitioners at any stage of their professional development—it’s a safe and structured melting pot of experiences, attitudes, and ideas to get your planning done!

You could be…

+ An individual artist or maker from any area of the creative industry

+ A recent graduate or fledgling freelancer just getting started

+ Someone representing a small creative organisation or arts not-for-profit

+ A leader from a mid-sized arts or screen organisation who doesn’t have the financial resources to hire a consultant or participate in a more expensive program

Or anything in between!

We welcome keen beans who are based in South Australia from any area of creative practice. Ideally, you are committed to improving your professional and creative capacity and developing your business and marketing skills in an accelerated way, using a practical methodology.

Who is Presenting?

Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What’s Creative Plus Business?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

The Details

Participants will need to attend 2 x 2-day sessions, along with some self-managed learning and optional mentoring sessions. Each program day runs from 9.30am to 5pm:

+ Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd June

+ Friday 26th & Saturday 27th July 2024

Venue: Summit Community Centre, 4 Crescent Dr, Norton Summit SA 5136.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

The Fine Print

+ Suitable applicants will be chosen on a first-in first-served basis.

+ There is a fee attached to attendance of $150 + gst. There are options available for people who require a subsidy of 50%, or sponsorship.

+ You will be notified of the outcome of this EOI within 5 weeks of applying. You will then be sent a link for payment.

+ You can be from any area of practice, including screen, music, performing arts, design, fashion, visuals arts, writing and multi-arts.

+ Previous experience in creative business, freelancing or within an arts organisation is not compulsory, but some degree of professional experience is preferred.

+ You must be aged over 18, and be a resident of South Australia in order to participate.

Submit Your Application

Download the Program

ARTSELERATE SA is an initiative of the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business and the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030.

ONLINE (NSW): Freelance Five
2024-06-20 18:00 - 20:00
Creative professionals will usually consider freelancing at some stage—it’s the nature of the industry. What are the five biggest pitfalls, and how to avoid them?

A career in the creative industries will very often involve at least one foray into freelancing—whether we like it or not! Everyone from curious hobbyists to regular employees will probably need to understand the basics—not to mention those who have deliberately chosen the freelance life. The Freelance Five is a fast, fun, and practical presentation specifically designed for creative practitioners and arts professionals with absolutely no business skills, to help them get the five most important elements of creative freelancing right. It’s a workshop designed by creatives for creatives and facilitated by those who have lived the life and have stories to share.

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Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:+ Step One: Setting up the freelance business properly, including registrations and ABNs.+ Step Two: Getting ready to make (and spend) the money, using best practice and tech.+ Step Three: Understanding how insurance works for freelancers (boring but necessary!)+ Step Four: Making the deal legal and using MOUs and agreements as protection.+ Step Five: Preparing for marketing, self-promotion and relationship building.

More links and resources will also be shared about superannuation, tax and licensing.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Ideal For: Creative practitioners at every level, from students to professionals.

Who is presenting?Brooke Scobie who lives on Darkinjung land as a queer First Nations single mum, writer, podcaster, business mentor, and dedicated artist manager. With over 15 years working in the community services sector and a half-decade within the arts, Brooke seamlessly marries their passion for creative expression with a profound understanding of the needs of community. They have been published widely as a poet and writer, clinching 2nd place in the 2020 Judith Wright Poetry Prize.

What is NSW Business Connect? Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

BOOK NOW

This workshop is sponsored by NSW Business Connect, a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

Online (NSW): Funding Guidelines for Creatives
2024-06-19 12:00 - 14:00
A workshop dedicated to the basics of how to write, manage and maintain funding.

Grants, funding, procurement, scholarships and awards are often held up as the holy grail of a successful arts career, but this revenue stream also takes hard work, dedication and patience. After all, there’s no such thing as ‘free money’. Funding Guidelines for Creatives is a workshop showcasing the basics of preparation, application, and acquittal for any kind of funding, as well as getting organised for future applications. It’s packed with information and suitable for novices and more experienced funding-seekers alike. There is always more to learn about funding!

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Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The different kinds of funding available, from grants to procurement and more.

+ Creating a Funding Folder and Deadline Calendar for regular applications.

+ Writing the Application – and avoiding the most common errors.

+ Getting the money right, with budgeting and income (including templates).

+ The Acquittal Process – and how to recover from setbacks.

+ The five main ways to avoid ‘failing’ at funding.

Resources, examples and templates will also be provided for a variety of funding applications.

What do I get?All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources.

+ Downloadable templates and project plans to support all kinds of funding applications.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What is NSW Business Connect? Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

This workshop is sponsored by NSW Business Connect, a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business.

BOOK NOW

MARRICKVILLE: Financial Literacy for Creatives
2024-06-17 18:00 - 20:00
You can be a professional creative without being a starving artist. Financial literacy may not come naturally, but the secrets of managing money can be learned.

Making a living and building a business means understanding how money works, but the financial situation for creatives can be tricky. Navigating the numbers is not always a happy place, emotions can be overpowering, and who ever learned the basics of business money and financial literacy during their arts training? ‘Financial Literacy for Creatives’ is a surprisingly fun and practical workshop designed specifically by creatives, for creatives, with a range of tips and insights into navigating the realities of financial management in a professional arts practice.

BOOK NOW

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on professional arts practice:

+ Introduction to the ‘Famine and the Feast’, and understanding how to weather the natural ups and downs of creative income.+ Ways to make better financial decisions by using the cost-benefits analysis tool.+ Learning the basics of budgets and cash flow projection to help navigate financial irregularity.+ The essential paperwork, including managing invoices and receipts.+ Practical steps to getting financially organised, including the best cloud accounting tools.+ More resources and places to go for help.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!Who is Presenting?Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has also worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Marrickville Pavilion, Pauline McLeod Room WB195088, 313-319 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204

Click BOOK NOW to register. Registration is essential. This workshop has the capacity to host 20 attendees.

BOOK NOW

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

CESSNOCK: Creative’s Guide to Marketing
2024-06-14 17:30 - 20:00
In Partnership with WildLearning.

Many creatives hate the idea of selling, but what if marketing could be more than impersonal hustle? How about a strategic approach that focuses on people first?

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business or working in the arts. Most creatives hate to sell and would rather be making than hustling. However, there is a simple solution to making marketing more palatable – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. The Creative’s Guide to Marketing workshop shares a simple six-step marketing approach that has been designed to take the pain out of promotion.

BOOK NOW

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Re-imagining traditional marketing in a way that makes sense for creativity and the arts.

+ Getting the foundational elements of “YOU” marketing right, without the terror of a deadline.

+ Understating the breadth of our ‘customers’, from clients to funding bodies to audience.

+ Knowing and learning from our peers, and from word-of-mouth.

+ Choosing the best digital and ‘old school’ tactics to help achieve your marketing goals.

More resources and templates will also be provided to help create a marketing action plan.

This workshop has been designed by creatives for creatives and includes ideas for ‘homework’.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links,

+ A Marketing Plan Template and Action Plan Template to assist with future marketing,

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.Who is presenting?Emmie Hallett – Emmie Hallett has one foot planted firmly in each world – the arts and small business – and loves helping people turn their creative work into a business reality. She has been an educator for 15+ years and is focused on delivering practical, actionable training where you walk away knowing how to do things, not just why you should.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.comVenue: Wild Learning, 111 Wollombi Road, CessnockCreative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

ONLINE (NSW): Creative's Guide to Recruitment
2024-06-12 12:00 - 14:00
Even a small creative business will need to hire people eventually. Freelancers, casual employees, even more permanent staff – but where even to begin?

Creative businesses and arts organisations have unique staffing requirements. They need talented and loyal people, as well as the nimble necessity of scaling up and down depending on the number of projects on the slate. A typical staffing system is a complicated combination of freelancers, interns, casuals and friends – and an absence of workable and practical HR policies and processes. Creative’s Guide to Recruitment is a workshop that discusses a better way of finding, attracting and retaining clever people suitable for your ever-changing needs.

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You will learn the practical and professional elements of:

+ How to write a useful position description, and all the different ways it will be used.

+ Using external recruitment companies and maintaining a ‘Freelance Book’.

+ Using interns, work experience people and other volunteers legally and fairly.

+ Marketing the role and using processes to help with selection.

+ Conducting meaningful interviews with potential candidates.

+ Being the Best Boss and the Performance Review Process.

+ Understanding superannuation, fair work policies and more from the employers’ point of view.

This workshop has been created by arts business professionals with a specific focus on the creative industries. It is suitable for emerging to more experienced practitioners.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

MARRICKVILLE: Diversify Your Creative Income
2024-06-06 18:00 - 20:00
Surviving and thriving financially as a creative practitioner usually means doing more than one thing to make a living – but where to start, and what to do?

Creatives are usually adept at a range of skills, and with a little brainstorming and guidance those various talents can be turned into diversified revenue. Becoming less reliant on a single source of income, whether that’s a job or government funding, can also open up abundant creative and commercial opportunities for savvy creatives and arts organisations. ‘Diversify Your Creative Income’ is an interactive workshop that discusses the various ways that creatives can make money, and includes practical exercises to help inspire and shape some new ideas.

BOOK NOW

Participants will learn the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Where to start? The breakdown of a Revenue Model that works for a range of activities.

+ Defining your Core, Complementary and Supplementary offerings.

+ Using a Skills Audit to help inspire new ideas and ways of thinking about making money.

+ The ‘Cheat Sheet’ – a collection of tried-and-true ideas including online sales, passive income, productifying a service, selling experiences, education, mentoring and more.

+ The Testing Process, and how to identify whether or not these ideas are actually “good”.

This workshop has been designed by creatives for creatives and includes practical activities.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links,

+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops,

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has also worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Marrickville Pavilion, Pauline McLeod Room WB195088, 313-319 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

GOSFORD: How to Start a Creative Business
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:00
Curious about turning your creative practice into a fully-fledged small business? Loving your artistic hobby, and wondering if you have the chops for freelancing?

This fun and friendly workshop will cover all the essentials you need to get the basics of creative business right, and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that artists can experience when entering the world of self-employment and freelancing. ‘How to Start a Creative Business’ was designed by creative practitioners for absolute beginners, and it’s a friendly safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business will become a little clearer.

BOOK NOW

You will learn all the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Setting goals and making a plan for your start-up journey,

+ The Basics of Business including ABNs, structures, business names and licences,

+ The legal steps to registering your Business,

+ Getting ready for managing the money,

+ Preparing for marketing and promotion,

+ Where to go for more help.

‘How to Start a Creative Business’ is your passport to a world where you can be creative, make money from your craft, and love your work.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting?Brooke Scobie lives on Darkinjung land as a queer First Nations single mum, writer, podcaster, business mentor, and dedicated artist manager. With over 15 years working in the community services sector and a half-decade within the arts, Brooke seamlessly marries their passion for creative expression with a profound understanding of the needs of community. They have been published widely as a poet and writer, clinching 2nd place in the 2020 Judith Wright Poetry Prize.

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: FunHaus Factory, 124 Donnison Street, Gosford NSW 2250Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.BOOK NOW

ONLINE (NSW): Creative's Guide to Selling Online
2024-05-21 17:00 - 19:00
You’ve poured your passion into your craft, art or products, and the time has come to share with the world. What are the basics to building an online business?

Selling online and using e-commerce can be overwhelming at first, especially for creatives – but where to begin? Creative’s Guide to Selling Online is a beginner’s course ideal for any creatives with little or no experience, who have products or services ready to sell, and no idea how to get their online sales set up. The webinar covers the easiest path to digital commerce, and the best ways to untangle the mess of legal jargon, platform choices, and marketing mysteries.

BOOK NOW

With a focus on people selling in the arts and creative industries, you will learn:

+ Understanding the process of selling online, including the pros and cons to watch for.

+ Preparing for the basics of an online business – registration, banking, accounting, stock management, legal requirements, consumer regulations and more.

+ Understanding eCommerce model and choosing the best one for your business.

+ Dropshipping and the elements of using external parties to help with sales and productions.

+ The Customer Journey, and how to craft an experience to remember (including unboxing).

+ The Basics of marketing, how to build an audience and connect with customers.

Creative’s Guide to Selling Online is a collaborative online workshop and participants will be encouraged to share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A One-Page Marketing Plan template to assist with the practical elements of the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown – Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

WOLLONGONG: Creative's Guide to Marketing
2024-05-21 14:00 - 16:00
Please note this event has now reached capacity and registrations are closed. If you’re keen to know when we’ll be back in Wollongong with a great workshop scroll down and join our mail list or follow us on socials. There’s lots more to come!

In partnership with MerrigongX.

Many creatives hate the idea of selling, but what if marketing could be more than impersonal hustle? How about a strategic approach that focuses on people first?

Marketing is one of the most despised and least understood aspects of running a creative business or working in the arts. Most creatives hate to sell and would rather be making than hustling. However, there is a simple solution to making marketing more palatable – take out the sales and focus on the strategy. The Creative’s Guide to Marketing workshop shares a simple six-step marketing approach that has been designed to take the pain out of promotion.

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Re-imagining traditional marketing in a way that makes sense for creativity and the arts.

+ Getting the foundational elements of “YOU” marketing right, without the terror of a deadline.

+ Understating the breadth of our ‘customers’, from clients to funding bodies to audience.

+ Knowing and learning from our peers, and from word-of-mouth.

+ Choosing the best digital and ‘old school’ tactics to help achieve your marketing goals.

More resources and templates will also be provided to help create a marketing action plan.

This workshop has been designed by creatives for creatives and includes ideas for ‘homework’.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links,

+ A Marketing Plan Template and Action Plan Template to assist with future marketing,

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.Who is presenting?Nick Bolton – Nick is a filmmaker and business owner based on the South Coast of NSW, working across film, documentary and commercial. He has provided strategic thinking, content production and distribution for clients in the government, corporate and enterprise sectors. As the Chair of Screen Illawarra, Nick is passionate about growing the screen community in a regional area, and was recognised in the City of Wollongong Awards 2024 for Services to Arts and Culture.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.comVenue: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, Corner of Crown & Kembla Streets, Wollongong 2500

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

ONLINE (NSW): How to Start a Creative Business
2024-05-09 12:00 - 14:00
Curious about turning your creative practice into a fully-fledged small business? Loving your artistic hobby, and wondering if you have the chops for freelancing?

This fun and friendly online workshop will cover all the essentials you need to get the basics of creative business right, and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that artists can experience when entering the world of self-employment and freelancing. ‘How to Start a Creative Business’ was designed by creative practitioners for absolute beginners, and it’s a friendly safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business will become a little clearer.

BOOK NOW

You will learn all the following, with a special focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ Setting goals and making a plan for your start-up journey

+ The Basics of Business including ABNs, structures, business names and licences

+ The legal steps to registering your Business

+ Getting ready for managing the money

+ Preparing for marketing and promotion

+ Where to go for more help

‘How to Start a Creative Business’ is your passport to a world where you can be creative, make money from your craft, and love your work!

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What is CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Cat Dibley – Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

ONLINE (NSW): Time Management for Creatives
2024-05-08 18:00 - 20:00
Creative practitioners and arts professionals juggle an array of tasks and projects, not to mention their personal priorities as well. How on earth to make time for it all?

Most creatives are pushed to the limit when it comes to time management. Many are juggling work, freelancing gigs, passion projects, admin and marketing demands, as well as the other challenges that might come from parenting, caring responsibilities and other personal factors. There are solutions to these vexing issues, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The added complexities of neurodiversity and creative thinking mean that more than one tactic might help.

‘Time Management for Creatives’ is a fun and relaxed online workshop that explores a variety of practical options for time management, specifically designed for a range of learning needs.

BOOK NOW

With a specific focus on the arts and creative industries, you will learn:

+ The different approaches and individual definitions of what ‘time management’ means.

+ The importance of breaking down what ‘time success’ and priorities mean for you.

+ The difference between deadlines and goals, and how to make that work in your favour.

+ Challenges to better time keeping, including all the different methods of procrastination.

+ Apps and processes that can help to create better time systems.

+ Bringing habits and small changes into effect for the long-term time management gain.

‘Time Management for Creatives’ is a collaborative workshop and participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A Workbook to assist with the practical elements of the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Who is presenting? Cat Dibley – Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

BOOK NOW

ONLINE: Super for Creatives
2024-05-06 18:00 - 20:00
A FREE webinar for creative professionals presented as part of our Evening Education Series.

You’re entitled to superannuation and you may not even know it. Most people working in the creative industries are entitled to super, even when they work with an ABN. That’s been the case for some time, but the majority of creatives are unaware of this rule.

REGISTER HERE

The webinar will go through the rules around the super that you’re entitled to, how to check, and what to do if you think you should have been paid and you haven’t been. In this webinar, we’ll discuss:

+ What super is, and how it works.

+ Who pays super and when.

+ How to work out if you’re entitled to super.

+ What to do if they don’t pay you.

+ What to do when you have to pay others.

What’s Included? A 60 minute panel webinar with our creative industries experts, plus lifetime access to additional resources.

Who should sign up? Creative industries professionals and business people from start-up to established (Australia only, sorry!). We also welcome creative freelancers, soloists, students, start-ups, and curious hobbyists.

Who should sign up? Creative industries professionals and business people from start-up to established (Australia only, sorry!). We also welcome creative freelancers, soloists, students, start-ups and curious hobbyists.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place via Crowdcast, and registration is essential. You will receive the webinar link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the event. Note: this webinar will not be recorded.

REGISTER HERE

MARRICKVILLE: Funding Fundamentals
2024-05-02 17:00 - 20:00
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INNER WEST COUNCIL.

Funding and grants are often held up as the holy grail of a successful arts career, but there is no such thing as ‘free’ money. Accessing government and philanthropic funding requires a great deal of work, from preparation to writing applications to delivery and successful acquittal. Funding also means ongoing research and groundwork to be ready for any applications, as well as maintaining the resolve to keep trying after an unsuccessful attempt.

This FREE webinar will explore:+ the different kinds of funding available;+ creating a grant folder (and being ready for opportunities);+ researching funding and considering applications;+ writing the proposal – and avoiding the common errors;+ creating a grant calendar;+ the acquittal process – and how to recover from setbacks;+ five ways to FAIL at grants.

What’s Included?A two hour webinar with our creative industries experts (which you can access later if you want), plus lifetime access to additional resources on our website containing more resources to support your learning.

Who should sign up?Creative and arts practitioners, freelancers, start-ups, students and arts entrepreneurs from beginners to established (International sign-ups welcome!). We also welcome curious hobbyists and people from outside the arts.

Who’s the Host?Cat Dibley is a national and international creative producer with over 10 years’ experience producing dance, theatre, tours, and festivals. She has worked at major theatre companies across Australia, Europe, and the US and founded a theatre company in 2011, producing many shows under this banner for mainstage companies, festivals, and large-scale national tours. Cat has worked as a creative consultant, story producer, screen development producer, educator and mentor.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

Venue: Marrickville Pavilion, 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

BOOK NOW

PENRITH: Networking Tips for Creatives
2024-05-01 17:00 - 20:00
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

Networking Tips for Creatives is a surprisingly fun event designed to encourage creative people to get to know each other, while acknowledging the horror, and sharing a few tips at the same time. While it’s a vital skill in the creative industries, many practitioners consider networking to be the stuff of nightmares. Networking Tips for Creatives combines education with the opportunity to practice in a safe and friendly environment while embracing the discomfort of the whole process and having a laugh.

BOOK NOW

Tips that will be shared include:+ Success is before you start – preparing before the event;+ Mastering the art of the introduction;+ Overcoming shyness, awkwardness and the urge to run away;+ Dealing with difficult people;+ Getting the all-important follow-up right.

You’ll learn how to network in the first half of the session and practice your skills in the second half.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Networking Tips for Creatives Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop is over;+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop;+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.

All questions are welcome in this relaxed, safe and inclusive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to share their own experiences and network with their fellow practitioners.

Ideal For: Curious hobbyists, creative freelancers and businesses, arts organisations.

Who is presenting?Wendi Lanham is an actor, presenter, model, and the General Manager of Creative Plus Business. She has a wealth of experience combining business and creative practice, and loves teaching individuals and businesses how to expand their networks, unlock new opportunities, and foster collaborations for mutual growth.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.comVenue: Borland Lounge, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

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ONLINE: Creative's Guide to Websites
2024-04-30 10:00 - 12:00
Creatives, arts organisations and small businesses all need a website, but where to begin when there are so many tech and design hurdles to navigate?

A website is an essential part of any marketing strategy, but with a little thought and planning it can be much more than a passive online portfolio display. A creative’s website can be a centralised place to showcase services, a marketing tool to share stories and case studies, and an educational platform to help clients and customers understand everything they need to know about your craft, your purpose and the offerings you have that meet their wants and needs.

Creative’s Guide to Websites is a practical online workshop for beginners that examines best practice for creatives to present their websites, with examples and helpful resources for DIY design.

With a specific focus on the arts and creative industries, this workshop will cover:

+ Starting with the Why – Outlining the goals for your website and why they matter.

+ The importance of planning, making a Site Map and organising the content.

+ Designing a website that focuses on proactive sales as well as a passive portfolio.

+ Do It Yourself or Hire a Designer? The pros and cons of design options, with suggestions.

+ Choosing the best platform for a DIY website.

+ Planning for maintenance and keeping a website up to date.

Creative’s Guide to Websites is a collaborative online workshop and participants will be encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A Workbook to assist with the practical elements of the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown – Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

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WEBINAR: Care Based Practice
2024-04-24 12:30 - 13:30
What is Care Based Practice? And why is it important? In this timely webinar, artist and expert Charley Allanah from House of Sand discusses the fundamentals of Care Based Practice, and how ‘Care Based’ differs from and intersect with ideas like Trauma Informed Practice, Cultural Safety, Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion (DEAI). Charley will also discuss the concept with Ben Steel, the founder and company director of Screen Well, a peak body dedicated to promoting and improving mental health outcomes for the Australian screen industry.

The pair will also work through whether or not Care Based Practice the right model for you, and share some practical techniques for a somewhat care based model for creatives, teams, clients and audiences.

Part of our Lunchtime Learning series!

What’s Included? A 60-minute panel webinar with our creative industries experts, plus lifetime access to additional resources and/or a special Dropbox folder containing more resources to support your learning.

Who should sign up? Creative industries professionals and business people from start-up to established. We also welcome creative freelancers, soloists, students, start-ups and curious hobbyists.

Who’s the host? Charley Allanah is a multifaceted theatre and performance maker and Co-Artistic Director of House of Sand. Charley has created award winning work including the multi-artform epic That Was Friday, and directed work across Australia and internationally including at STCSA, ActNow, BATS, and Paul Lucas Prod. NYC, assisted directors at STC and Opera Australia, and performed for STCSA and STC. Her first playThe House Collector was read at KXT Storytellers Festival 202 and her second play and a new musical with composer Nick Delatovic are in creative development. Charley works as a teacher, consultant, advocate and audio describer for blind and low vision audiences. Charley has held management positions at Sydney Fringe and Sydney WorldPride, and is LGBTQIA+ Co-Chair of the MEAA Equity Diversity Committee. Qualified in business from The School Of Getting It Wrong And Correcting It Fast, Charley is an expert in grant writing and management, philanthropy, team building, and making it work with too few dollars.

Who’s the guest? Ben Steel is passionate about improving wellbeing for the screen sector, and he has spent the last six years speaking to arts & entertainment industry leaders and experts in mental health about the wellbeing challenges and solutions creative practitioners experience, an exploration which culminated in him making the acclaimed ABC documentary ‘The Show Must Go On’ released during mental health week 2019. Ben is an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor who brings this training with his knowledge and 30 years of work experience in the screen sector, alongside his personal lived experience with anxiety & depression to the Screen Well team.

What’s Creative Plus Business? We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: If you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

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ONLINE: Cashflow for Creatives
2024-04-17 18:00 - 20:00
Making a living from your craft means learning, understanding and embracing the flow of money in and out of your practice.

Financial literacy and concepts like ‘cashflow’ are necessities for creative practitioners and arts workers who want to take their passion to a professional level. Cashflow for Creatives is a short online workshop designed by creative practitioners to help other artists understand and embrace the rollercoaster of income and expenses that comes with working in the arts. It’s a safe space where every question is welcome, and the mysteries of money will become a little clearer.

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

+ The Famine and the Feast – weathering the ups and downs of creative income

+ The Flow of Money Out – Understanding and making realistic budgets

+ The Basics of Forecasting, and how to develop a ‘crystal ball’ for income

+ The Flow of Money In – Understanding income and how to create regularity

+ Practical steps to getting financially organised

+ More resources and places to go for help

Cashflow for Creatives is a relaxed and interactive online workshop that guides participants with practical tools and steps tailor made for the arts (not mysterious accounting formulas).

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links,

+ Templates for budgets and other accounting requirements,

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

Book Now

ONLINE: Creative's Guide to Social Media
2024-04-09 10:00 - 12:00
Social media is everywhere, as are tips and tricks to use it for business. What are the best ways for creative and arts professional to use this powerful marketing tool?

Social media is a complex and challenging marketing tool for a lot of creatives, as it can be very difficult to find a balance between constantly updating the world just about themselves, and ignoring the platforms entirely! Creative’s Guide to Social Media is a friendly, up-to-date and interactive online workshop for beginners that covers the basics of how to kickstart marketing using social media, with a focus on the main tools at your disposal and the strategy behind the socials.

With a focus on people selling in the arts and creative industries, you will learn:

+ A new and different definition of social media to consider for the arts and creative marketing.

+ The basics of social media marketing, regardless of which platform you choose.

+ The strategic process behind using social media for marketing, including R.O.I.

+ Understanding audience, and finding out what your followers and fans want and need.

+ Choosing the right social media, from the most used and popular platforms right now.

+ Content creation tips and ideas for all the most popular platforms.

+ Using other methods, and staying up to date.

Resources and templates will also be provided to create a social media marketing action plan.

Creative’s Guide to Social Media is a collaborative online workshop and participants will be encouraged to share experiences and ideas, make connections and foster peer relationships.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.

+ A One-Page Marketing Plan template to assist with the practical elements of the workshop.

+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.

What’s CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown – Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and digital marketing consultant for Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What is Service NSW Business Connect? Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

Creative Plus Business is an approved independent provider for Service NSW Business Connect until June 2025.

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RYDE: Cultural Tourism
2024-04-03 18:00 - 20:00
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF RYDE

The Cultural Tourist is a traveller who wants to learn, experience and get involvedin local offerings. How can your arts centre encourage this kind of visitor?

Cultural tourism is when people travel “for essentially cultural motivations” such as study, artisticexperiences, festivals, and pilgrimages. For small-to-medium creative and arts organisations,cultural tourism can also be an effective way to generate revenue, connect with community,enliven the local tourism economy and help to define a place as a cultural and artistic destination.

Cultural Tourism is a practical workshop in which participants will learn how to maximise thespecial attributes that set their organisation apart from others, including their history, traditions,arts and culture. This includes:+ Understanding the cultural tourist—what interests, motivates, or inspires the traveller?+ Your story—finding the story that needs to be told and an engaging way to share this with visitors+ Projects and Activities—what can your organisation or region offer to the cultural traveller?+ Outcomes—setting up systems to measure the data about the impacts of cultural tourism+ Marketing—sharing the story and projects with your potential market+ Resources—where to get help, resources, worksheets, and more!

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Ideal for: Come along if you are a creative of any level, from recent graduate or curious hobbyist to a freelancer or an established arts practitioner. This workshop is open to anyone who lives, works, studies or plays in the City of Ryde.

Who is presenting?Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

BOOK NOW

SINGLETON: Selling Online for Creatives
2024-03-28 18:00 - 20:00
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SINGLETON SHIRE COUNCIL

Selling online and using e-commerce can be overwhelming at first, especially for creatives – where to begin? This beginner’s course is ideal for any creatives who have products or services ready to sell, but no idea how to get their online sales set up.

With a focus on the arts and creative industries, this workshop will cover:+ The pros and cons of selling online+ Preparing for the basics – bank accounts, cloud accounting and stock management+ Choosing an eCommerce model+ Understanding the Customer Experience+ The legal checklist+ Marketing your Online Store… and more!

At the completion of the workshop you will have:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with resources+ A One-Page Creative Business and Marketing Plan+ The option of more one-to-one advice from a creative business specialist.

All questions are welcome in this relaxed, safe, and inclusive webinar. Participants are also encouraged to share their own experiences and network with their fellow practitioners.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and Marketing Manager of Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help by sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

BOOK NOW

ONLINE: Freelance Five
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00
Creative professionals will usually consider freelancing at some stage—it’s the nature of the industry. What are the five biggest pitfalls, and how to avoid them?

A career in the creative industries will very often involve at least one foray into freelancing—whether we like it or not! Everyone from curious hobbyists to regular employees will probably need to understand the basics—not to mention those who have deliberately chosen the freelance life. The Freelance Five is a fast, fun, and practical presentation specifically designed for creative practitioners and arts professionals with absolutely no business skills, to help them get the five most important elements of creative freelancing right. It’s a workshop designed by creatives for creatives and facilitated by those who have lived the life and have stories to share.

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:+ Step One: Setting up the freelance business properly, including registrations and ABNs.+ Step Two: Getting ready to make (and spend) the money, using best practice and tech.+ Step Three: Understanding how insurance works for freelancers (boring but necessary!)+ Step Four: Making the deal legal and using MOUs and agreements as protection.+ Step Five: Preparing for marketing, self-promotion and relationship building.

More links and resources will also be shared about superannuation, tax and licensing.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources and helpful links.+ A practical Workbook to assist with the interactive elements of the workshops.+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop.+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Ideal For: Creative practitioners at every level, from students to professionals.

Who is presenting?Brooke Scobie who lives on Darkinjung land as a queer First Nations single mum, writer, podcaster, business mentor, and dedicated artist manager. With over 15 years working in the community services sector and a half-decade within the arts, Brooke seamlessly marries their passion for creative expression with a profound understanding of the needs of community. They have been published widely as a poet and writer, clinching 2nd place in the 2020 Judith Wright Poetry Prize.

What is NSW Business Connect? Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.This workshop is sponsored by NSW Business Connect, a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business.

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SINGLETON: Creative's Guide to Websites
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SINGLETON SHIRE COUNCIL

A website is so much more than a passive online portfolio display. It can be a centralised place to showcase services, a marketing tool to share stories, and an educational platform to help clients understand your craft. Creative’s Guide to Websites is a practical and comprehensive workshop that examines the best ways for creatives to present their websites, with real-life examples of best practice, and helpful resources for DIY design.

Tips that will be shared include:+ Why? Outlining the goals for your website;+ Making a Site Map and organising the content;+ Do It Yourself or Hire a Designer? The pros and cons of each;+ Choosing the best platform for a DIY website;+ Thinking SHOP not GALLERY.Resources and links will be shared throughout the workshop to help guide participants.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:+ Lifetime access to a dedicated Creative’s Guide to Websites Dropbox folder full of additional resources and workbooks to help continue the learning after the workshop is over;+ Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop;+ The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors.All questions are welcome in this relaxed, safe and inclusive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to share their own experiences and network with their fellow practitioners.

Ideal For: Creative freelancers and businesses, arts professionals, creative organisations.

Who is presenting?Lillie Brown is a freelance marketing strategist and Marketing Manager of Creative Plus Business. Lillie works with small to medium creative businesses to devise and implement marketing and social media strategies that are easy for creative brains to digest. She walks clients through a comprehensive planning process to create simple to understand and actionable strategies to help them fulfil their vision – including Creative Plus Business!

What’s Creative Plus Business?We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Accessibility: if you have any access requirements, please email hello@creativeplusbusiness.com

This workshop will take place on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link in an email from Creative Plus Business prior to the workshop. Note: this workshop will not be recorded.

BOOK NOW
