Join the Erie County Public Library, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and the NWPA Beehive Network for the first Creative Small Business Symposium. Programs will take place in the Community Classroom, Room 219, and Room 212. 

Please call the Reference Desk at 814.451.6927 to register. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND THE PROGRAM IS LIMITED TO 30 SEATS. 

Creative Small Business Symposium Workshops 2023 – October 21^st

This regional one-day event will consist of concurrent sessions from which participants can choose a total of four classes, one per time slot, plus a grants program required for all, followed by tours of the library and Idea Lab and time to network. Breakfast and lunch are provided by RSVP. 

Choose one class per time slot and let the person you register with via phone know which program you would like. 

Branding/Logo 10 AM
Building your brand as a creative business, from the message and connecting with your market to the type style, colors, and imagery that represents you/your business.

Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights  10 AM
What you create, no matter its form, is a valuable asset. How do you protect your intellectual property from unauthorized use? What are the risks in this digital age and how can you avoid them? How do you license your work for use on products while protecting your rights?

What the Beehive Can Offer You 10 AM

Find out what the NWPA Beehive (Allegheny College, Erie County Public Library Idea Lab, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and PennWest Edinboro) can do for your creative small business. From data to branding to security, the Beehive has something for every creative entrepreneur. 

Bookkeeping & Taxes 11 AM
Learn what information your small business accountant needs to keep you in tune with the IRS. We'll cover record keeping, dates, deductions, and more. 

Pricing Work/Products 11 AM
Next to branding, this may be one of the most difficult decisions you face as a creative entrepreneur. How do you find the right balance between making a profit and selling your product/service?

Fairs & Festivals 11 AM
Participating in fairs, festivals, and other events offer a variety of opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, but how do you choose and how do you prepare? What kind of marketing materials and insurance do you need? How do you make your booth stand out and handle transactions? What are the best practices for interacting with customers?

Marketing & Social Media 1 PM 

Learn the basics of marketing your business using various media, including print, web, direct mail, social media and more.

Funding 1 PM
While grants for businesses are scarce, there are currently some opportunities for the creative community. These are usually very specific in who qualifies, based on what you do, where you are, whether you are part of an underserved community, etc. Area organizations will present their opportunities and others they know of with broader qualification criteria.

Opportunities for Creatives 1 PM
A number of opportunities are available for artists, artisans, writers, and performers both in northwestern Pennsylvania and throughout the state. Learn about opportunities available in the region that you can take advantage of now, residencies and teaching opportunities, co-ops, exhibits, festivals, organizations seeking performers, and more!

Grants 2 PM Required for ALL

Find out about grants from the Erie County Redevelopment Authority and how to write a winning application from grant librarian Rachel Stevenson.

Online Store/Sales 3 PM 
What are the options, pitfalls, and best practices for selling online? How they compare in terms of cost, DIY ability, limitations, ease of use, and reach.

Artist Statements & Bios 3 PM
Some opportunities, like galleries, competitions, magazines, and residency programs, will require you to submit an artist statement and bio. Done right, these are valuable tools for media coverage and participation in shows, as well as on your website and social media accounts.

Business Law 3 PM

What every small business owner should know about the basics of business law with plenty of time for Q & A.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Erie County Library, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, the NWPA Beehive, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, and Northwest Savings Bank