Business Resources
The information on this page is provided as a resource only and should not be construed as legal advice. The specific facts in every situation are different, so while easy access to these resources should provide some initial guidance in starting a business, they should not be relied on completely. Laws change constantly and although Triangle ArtWorks will try to keep these resources up to date, we can not guarantee it. So, do not act or fail to act based solely on information provided below … please consult an attorney for a complete understanding of how the law applies to you and your business in North Carolina.
Do you have information regarding business resources that would be of interest to the Triangle’s arts community? Send us an email!
Starting a Business:
When an artist decides to build a business around her art, who she partners with and how she structures that business are crucial decisions. We have searched the internet for you and collected some helpful links for getting started. This page focuses on resources to help for-profit entities.
The Gig Economy Tax Center - IRS webpage that provides information on income resulted from gigs or contract work.
The Small Business Administration – This government website provides a good discussion of the various types of business entities including the cooperative, the corporation, the limited liability company and the partnership, including the pros and cons of each. Start here as you begin to think about how to set up a business.
The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center – This IRS resource serves taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
10-Step Quick Start Guide for New Businesses – Law + ArtWorks member, Brandon Huffman, of Odin Law and Media created this helpful guide that walks you through the steps for starting a new business and considerations along the way. Odin Law also provides this helpful article: Should I Form a Corporation or an LLC.
Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop – The IRS video portal has an educational series to help new business owners to understand federal taxes.
When to Set Up a Corporation or Other Business Entity – This web page from tax and accounting firm, Riley & Associates, P.C. provides another helpful overview into different kinds of business entities and how they might impact artists specifically. The examples at the bottom of the page are particularly illustrative. They also provide tailored tax guides for Actors, Directors, & Performers, Musicians & Singers, Writers, and Visual Artists.
The Artist as Entrepreneur – Here you will find lesson plans for a continuing education course at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. The advice on business entities is not highly technical, but is good for helping you walk through the thought processes and planning that go into starting a business as an artist.
The Clark-Hulings Fund for Visual Artists – The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists nonprofit organization that equips professional visual artists to be self-sustaining entrepreneurs. They offer paid and free online videos, classes, discussion boards and more to help visual artists thrive. They also have a year long Art Business Accelerator, to which they accept applications for 20 free Fellowships.
Loans for Art Businesses (video) - In partnership with the Art Studio Insights podcast, JaLisha Richmond of Thread Capital, talks with hosts Jackie Sanders and Adriana Ameigh about small business loans for art businesses
Business Plan Outline - Provided by JaLisha Richmond of Thread Capital. This is a great starting point for developing your business plan.
Regional Business Resources:
The Small Business and Technology Development Center – The SBTDC is a State of NC and Small Business Administration supported office that provides “management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most of our services are free of charge and all are confidential”. They have a very useful Resource Guide for Starting a Business in North Carolina.
The Small Business Center Network – The Small Business Center Network (SBCN), comprised of 58 Small Business Centers located at community colleges throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses as a community-based provider of business training, counseling, and resource information. Most community colleges have Small Business Centers, including Durham Tech, Wake Tech, Central Carolina/Chatham, Johnston. (Not in the Triangle? Find your local center here.) These centers provide business owners with the information they need for success, including – but not limited to – advice on marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and financial management. The SBCs offer the following services at little or no cost:
Training and technical assistance in starting your business;
Business skill seminars, workshops, and courses;
Confidential counseling to help you develop your business plan or address your business needs;
Resource and referral services; andA Resource Center with small business publications and literature
The Secretary of State’s Office wants to make it easy for you to find the business resources you need to succeed. North Carolina has an abundance of free or low-cost professional business resources—in your community and beyond. If you’re thinking of starting a business or already have one, please visit our Rural RISE NC web page, sosnc.gov/RISE.
NC Leap – North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Program (NC LEAP) is a project of the North Carolina Bar Association and the NCBA Foundation that provides free legal services to low-wealth entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting or expanding their businesses: through direct legal representation, small business legal clinics and the production of self-help materials. NC Leap also provides business-related assistance to established nonprofit entities in North Carolina. Unfortunately, they do not provide assistance with establishing a 501(c)(3).
Economic Development Partnership North Carolina – EDPNC is a great resource for starting a business in North Carolina. It provides, in an easy-to-access format, quick links to all the business assistance the State has to offer, from permits and licenses, to business forms, to financing assistance. They also offer free one-on-one consultation with business counselors.
Taxpayer Advocacy Services - The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that works to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. If you are having a tax problem that you haven’t been able to resolve on your own, their FREE Advocates may be able to help. See if you qualify for assistance here.
The Secretary of State of North Carolina’s website – The Secretary of State’s office is where you will go when you are ready to incorporate your business. On their site you will also find North Carolina’s video guides on different business structures and detailed information about the requirements for corporations in the state.
NC. gov - All Business Resources – This website links to resources for all aspects of entity formation including financing, counseling with business experts, hiring etc.
