Biz Tuesdays with Kara: Resources for Creative Souls

Amazing, SF-based artist, Mati Rose. Find her great work here!

There are tons of resources and opportunities out there for the creative soul looking to build or enhance their business. We thought for this Biz Tuesday we would list a few excellent resources for you all.

CREATE Denver Initiative: Revolving Loan Fund
Have you heard about this? Why didn’t we know about this earlier! This is a great small business capital loan intended to stimulate the creative economy that we feel is growing rapidly in Denver (and that’s why we love CREATE Denver so much!). The loans are for $5,000 to $30,000 for “Creative enterprises are defined as non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses producing or selling fine art, photographic and graphic art, performance art, handcraft and design and media.” These loans have a low interest rate and are available because their goal is to help the creative industry grow, be successful and sustainable. Any one of you looked into this loan or have been a recipient? We’d love to hear your story!

Colorado Small Business Development Centers Program
These centers offer a variety of resources for small businesses. They also offer free one-on-one counseling that would be beneficial for all those questions and surprises that seem to come up when you are starting your own business. Check out their events page to find the latest opportunities.

Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business
We have to say the promo video for this book is incredible, take a look:

Although we haven’t read this book yet, the reviews have been outstanding and the two authors, Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho, help you navigate starting up your own business and to make it possible to do what you love. You may have already read one of Mateo Ilasco’s books, Craft, Inc. We definitely poured over this great book full of wonderful advice, simple steps and Q&A from creative folks who’ve struck out on their own.

Flying Lessons: Tips and Tricks to Help Your Creative Business Soar
Kelly Rae Roberts, a self-proclaimed "artist, author and possibilitarian," has a great new e-book "Flying Lessons," to help you create and grow your creative business endeavor. We haven't read it in full, but it has also gotten great reviews. The three-part e-book covers how to create an effective online presence, how to implement effective marketing strategies and how to get press and get published.

Design Sponge Biz Ladies: FREE online resources for business owners
We love, love, love Design*Sponge and their Biz Ladies series is a wonderful place to get ideas and be inspired to run a business and keep doing what you love.

So, there you have it--a few resources to add to your list! Have you found any blog or book helpful in your creative endeavors? Please comment here and share. We think there is nothing better than support, collaboration and feedback from fellow creative souls as you launch your dreams!

Kara Lundquist is a Colorado native that made her way back to Denver after some time in sunny Santa Barbara, CA and rainy Seattle, WA. She lives here with her husband and little yorkie pup, Mochi. She's currently working on her MBA in Marketing at Regis University but also enjoys time outside of schoolwork with embroidery, quilting and collecting fabric