How Creative Entrepreneurs Can Navigate Tough Times

With COVID-19 making it unsafe to gather, many arts shows and events have been cancelled, making running a business especially challenging for those who have combined creativity and entrepreneurship. If you’re an artist, a freelancer, or another type of creative entrepreneur, below are some specific resources and entrepreneurship support programs in place that may help you and your business.artsUNITE / UNITÉ des arts – Artscape launched this website to connect creatives and creative entrepreneurs with resources to help support them during the pandemic. The website explores programs related to funding, work, crisis support, and more.CBC – CBC is continuously updating this list of resources for artists throughout the pandemic. This webpage lists sources for emergency funding, advocacy groups, online training resources, health, and mental health resources, and temporary and remote job/volunteer opportunities.The Canadian Network for Arts & Learning – This useful website groups resources by province, and also explores resources in the following categories: arts-specific; community groups; digital learning, collaboration, and skill-sharing; digital platforms and apps for collaboration; financial support and paid opportunities; and more.Neighbourhood Arts Network – An initiative of the Toronto Arts Foundation, the Neighbourhood Arts Network has put together a list of resources in the following categories: funding, self-care, data collection, and more.Artist Producer Resource – This resource lists emergency funding initiatives for artists, public health resources and guidelines for producing and rehearsing safely, procedures and protocols for rehearsals, and other relevant resources for artists.The Whole Note – This webpage shares a list of financial programs and community-led groups designed to support artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.Canada Recovery Benefit – Self-employed individuals may qualify for this benefit if they aren’t eligible for employment insurance and their business has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.The Government of Canada – The Government of Canada has created financial support programs for creative entrepreneurs who work in the culture, heritage and sport industry.Canada Council for the Arts – Canada’s public arts funder has put together a list of resources to help support artists during the pandemic. Their website explores emergency support programs, investments made during the pandemic to support artists, changes to grants, events that have been cancelled or postponed, and more.Akin – This Toronto-based arts organization has created a list of resources for artists, creatives, and freelancers looking for support during the pandemic. Their extensive list covers the following categories: financial support, legal support, scholarships and awards, advocacy resources, online training, and more.FACTOR – The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings provides funding for Canadian recording artists, songwriters, publishers, labels, event producers, and distributors. Their website contains a section dedicated to mental health support for artists.