Creative Small Business Symposium

Join the Erie County Public Library, Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and NWPA Beehive Network for the first Creative Small Business Symposium—a day of classes for entrepreneurs running creative-sector businesses on topics you need to know! Call 814-451-6927 to register. Event is FREE! Breakfast and lunch included. 

Participants will choose their own sessions in 4 different time blocks, take a midday Grants Workshop, enjoy breakfast & lunch, and unwind with a full library and makerspace tour.

Attendance in the symposium also meets eligibility requirements for the StARTup Grant (up to $5000 for fledgling creative businesses)!

9:00 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

Yogurt, granola bars, fruit, muffins, and more

10 a.m. (choose 1)

• Branding & Logo

How to build your brand as a creative business: from the message and connecting with your market, to the style, colors, and imagery that represents you/your business.

• Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights

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

Find out what the NWPA Beehive Network (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 digital security, the Beehive has something for every creative entrepreneur. 

11 a.m. (choose 1)

• Bookkeeping & Taxes
  Learn what information to keep throughout the year to keep your accountant happy and compliant with the IRS. We'll cover record keeping, dates, deductions, and more. 
• Pricing Your Work/Products
  Navigate the nuances of pricing whatever it is that you sell. How do you find the right balance between making a profit and an attractive price point?
• Fairs & Festivals
  Participating in fairs, festivals, and other events offers a variety of opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. How do you choose which ones and how do you prepare for them? What kind of resources and insurance do you need? How will your booth stand out and complete transactions? What are the best practices for interacting with customers?

12 p.m.

LUNCH BREAK- Northwest Savings Bank. We are unable to accommodate requests

1 p.m. (choose 1)

• Marketing & Social Media Learn the basics of marketing your business using various media, including print, web, direct mail, social media and more.
• Funding
  While grants for businesses are scarce, there are currently some opportunities for the creative community. These are usually restricted 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
  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.

2 p.m. (everyone participates)

Grants Workshop

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

3 p.m. (choose 1)

• Online Store & Sales
  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
  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

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

4 p.m.

Library Tour and open hour in Idea Lab—the library’s on-site makerspace with equipment, software, and tools for every maker. Also time to network with other entrepreneurs.

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