City of Boulder Opens Applications for Arts Business Cohort

The City of Boulder's Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Boulder County, is now accepting applications for the Arts Business Cohort. The free program is designed to provide artists and creatives with the business knowledge, practical tools and professional support needed to build sustainable creative careers.

"Creative talent is only one part of building a successful career. Artists are also entrepreneurs who must navigate marketing, finances, contracts and long-term planning," said CJ Frizzell, Grants and Program Manager at the Boulder SBDC. "This cohort is designed to give artists practical business tools and a supportive network so they can build enduring livelihoods."

The Arts Business Cohort includes eight weeks of hands-on learning sessions, direct access to Boulder SBDC advisors, local attorneys, certified public accountants, lenders and experienced creative entrepreneurs, and a peer cohort of 8 to 10 fellow artists for accountability, connection and collaboration. Participants who complete the program will also receive a $1,000 stipend to reinvest in their creative practice or business.

"As part of executing the Boulder Arts Blueprint, we are investing in the long-term success of our creative community by helping artists develop the business skills, networks and confidence needed to grow resilient creative enterprises," said Lauren Click, Office of Arts and Culture Manager. "The Arts Business Cohort exemplifies how the Office of Cultural and Economic Development - which houses both the Office of Arts and Culture and the Boulder SBDC - is aligning arts, culture and entrepreneurship to strengthen Boulder's creative economy."

The curriculum combines foundational business topics such as pricing, budgeting, legal structures, marketing and funding with creative-sector-specific instruction focused on developing an artist statement, identifying target audiences, protecting creative work and building a sustainable practice. Sessions take place Thursday afternoons (Sept. 3 - Oct. 22), 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., with some independent work between sessions.

The City of Boulder welcomes applications from Boulder-based artists working in any discipline, including visual arts, music, theater, writing, dance, craft and interdisciplinary practices. Applications are open now through Aug. 18, 2026.

To learn more about the Arts Business Cohort or to fill out an application, please visit the city website.