Berks Arts Launches Program to Support Creative Entrepreneurs

Reading, PA – Today, Justin Heimbecker, Executive Director of Berks Arts, announced availability of the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, which matches eligible creative entrepreneurs with existing, free, local, small business consulting services and financial resources up to $2,000 to support the growth of businesses, audiences, and revenue. The Program is open to all eligible applicants but is designed to prioritize investments in socially or economically disadvantaged creative entrepreneurs and those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities, as defined by the Small Business Administration. Applications to the Program will be accepted on a monthly rolling basis. In describing this new resource provided to the local arts community Heimbecker stated, “Creative entrepreneurs are integral to the development and success of rich, vibrant communities. This new program provides support to a variety of industries from visual arts to film, publishing, video game design, production and more.  Berks Arts looks forward to continuing to support these diverse artists and businesses in Berks, Schuylkill, and Lancaster counties in new and innovative ways. To be eligible for the Program, individuals must: be at least 18 years of age and a current resident of Pennsylvania for at least one year; have annual gross revenue less than $200,000; and be a creative entrepreneur intending to form a business or operating a business in Pennsylvania within one or more of the following creative industry areas: marketing; architecture; visual arts and crafts; design; film and media; digital games; music and entertainment; and publishing. Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program grant funds must support business formation or development. Eligible uses of grant funds include activities such as research and development, purchase of supplies and equipment, and professional and business development fees. The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), a state agency under the Office of the Governor, and administered regionally by the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA), PCA’s statewide network of re-granting partners. Berks Arts serves as PCA’s PPA partner organization for Region 7, encompassing Berks, Schuylkill, and Lancaster counties. Details about the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program can be found here.

Contact: Amanda Ehst, ppa@berksarts.org