Inaugural Arts Business Cohort Culminates in ‘Making It’ Showcase

The City of Boulder's inaugural Boulder Arts Business Cohort is wrapping up eight weeks of learning, collaboration and business development with Making It: Boulder Arts Business Cohort Pitch Session and Showcase on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The free, cohort-based program is offered by the City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture in partnership with the Small Business Development Center serving Boulder County (Boulder SBDC). It helps artists develop the business skills and resources they need to build sustainable creative practices and support their work over the long term. The program advances the Boulder Arts Blueprint's Entrepreneurship and Workforce goal, which aims to make work in the creative economy a viable career path that pays a living wage.

Throughout the eight-week program, participants took part in hands-on, in-person sessions covering essential business skills, including pricing, budgeting, legal structures, marketing and funding. The curriculum also addressed topics specific to creative businesses, such as developing an artist statement, identifying markets, protecting creative work and building a sustainable practice.

Participants connected with Boulder SBDC advisors, local attorneys, lenders and experienced creative entrepreneurs. The cohort provided opportunities for peer learning, accountability and collaboration, along with resources such as business templates, grant calendars and insurance guides. Participants who met the program's completion requirements also qualified for a $1,000 stipend to reinvest in their creative businesses.

At the upcoming showcase, artists from the inaugural cohort will give short presentations about their work, business models and next steps, offering the community a look at the creative practices and businesses they are building.

"This talented group of artists includes creatives working across photography, music, tattooing, bookmaking, pottery, painting, stained glass, poetry and fiber arts," said Cindy Sepucha, Artists and Venues Senior Program Manager. "Over the past eight weeks, they've showcased curiosity and creativity when integrating business skills into their artistic passions. We can't wait to share what they've learned with you."

Event Details

Making It: Boulder Arts Business Cohort Pitch Session and Showcase
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m.
Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater

Community members are invited to attend, learn about the artists' work and celebrate the first cohort's accomplishments. Please RSVP.

Applications for the 2026 cohort opened in July and closed in August. Information about the 2027 cohort, including application dates when available, will be posted on the Arts Business Cohort program page.