Many community groups and agencies have started programs tailored to artists, performers, and makers both in routine times and in the super-charged times brought on by COVID19. In addition to the support the Innovation Lab provides, you’ll find that many others can provide help – pro bono or for a modest fee. Some provide microgrants; some provide counseling and advice; some invite artists to join together online to talk or showcase their work.
Here are some of the groups offering support. We’ll be adding to this page so revisit it from time to time for up-to-date information. (And if you’d like to suggest additions, please let us know at info@innovationlabphl.com.)
Support is always valuable, but networking and connecting with others is even more valuable – now and in the future.
Advising & Workshops
Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library. Programs, resources, and advice in support of the full range of businesses and non-profits.
Power Up at Community College of Philadelphia. Offers workshops and short-course, covering the basics of running and managing a small business. Topics include marketing, bookkeeping, social media strategy, financials, etc. Application required. If accepted, free for residents of Philadelphia.
PA Small Business Development Centers. Sponsored by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, it offers free one-on-one consulting and training through webinars. Topics include funding, marketing, and management. Supports early stage and already established businesses. (Sites at Temple and Wharton.)
Philadelphia VIP. Free legal help to startups and nonprofits. Application and acceptance are required.
SCORE Philadelphia. Free advice and mentoring with links to other resources. Supports early stage and already established businesses.
The Enterprise Center. Advice, mentoring, and funding opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
Note: Nearly all listed here are currently offering their programs and resources online.
Lists & Resources
Generocity – Online news for the creative and non-profit community with current news of funding and support.
InLiquid Grant Listings. Current list of grant opportunities.)
Inside Philanthropy. List of funding/grant opportunities for dancers/performers and visual artists.
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Resources for individual artists.
Pennsylvania Art and Cultural Grants. Grants for individuals and organizations.
Philadelphia Office of Culture, Art and the Creative Economy. An extensive list of resources, funding, and support for the creative community.
Philadelphia Startup Leaders. Includes a comprehensive start-up guide that includes links to programs providing support to startups, service providers, investors and grantors, and co-working spaces.
Philadelphia Dance. News of grants and support.
Online Resources
The Big Artist Opportunities List. An extensive list (more than 400 in the US and abroad) of grants, residencies, and many other forms of support.
The National Endowment for the Arts has created a comprehensive list of resources for artists, performers, and makers challenged by COVID-19.