Etsy Design Awards Finalists Announced
An eclectic list of 160 finalists for the Etsy Design Awards debuted August 2nd, moving finalists one step closer to Etsy’s $15,000 grand prize.
How Applying for a Business Award Can Lead to New Opportunities (Whether You Win or Not)
With the recent launch of the Etsy Design Awards (AKA the Etsies) and with applications to the Spoonflower Small Business Grant open through August 15, 2019, we wanted to explore why craft businesses participate in awards competitions, and what’s to be gained.
How to Use Patreon to Fund Your Craft Business
Patreon is based on the hundreds-year-old construct of patronage, but instead of involving a wealthy sponsor, it enables individuals to support artists.
What to Do When the Company You’re Working With Files for Bankruptcy
Navigating your way around a bankruptcy filing is tough, but it will be easier if you understand some basics about U.S. bankruptcy law.
Etsy Sellers, Here’s How to Protect Yourself from Random Withdrawals and Other Financial Mishaps
On Friday morning Etsy withdrew money from the bank accounts and credit cards of some sellers without their permission. The amounts of the withdrawals varied, but some were in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Here are ways Etsy sellers can protect themselves from financial mishaps like this in the future.
Spoonflower to Offer Small Business Grants
Spoonflower, the Durham, North Carolina-based print-on-demand fabric company, has announced a new grant program for small businesses. Are you getting ready to launch, or do have a new product in mind? Are you preparing for a craft fair or big event? A Spoonflower small business grant will get you a $1,000 credit to use for custom fabric, wallpaper or gift wrap to help make your dream a reality.
A Taxing Endeavor: Navigating State Sales Tax in a Post-Wayfair World
“I love sales tax!” said no retailer ever. Sure, sales tax can fund good things, like better roads, but for most retailers, collecting and remitting sales tax is a real headache.
Blockchain’s Potential for Creative Industries
At some point in the past 10 years, you’ve surely heard about Bitcoin or blockchain. These new technologies are being hyped as potential cures for all sorts of problems, but it’s difficult to know whether to believe the hype without knowing what the heck these things even are.
Recorded Webinar: Smart Financial Planning for Craft Entrepreneurs
Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP® and Founder of Workable Wealth is a financial planner and accountability coach who helps clients across the country make smart, educated choices with their money. She focuses on working with entrepreneurs personal and business financial planning.
Securing Financing for Your Business
Types of business financing can be lumped into these basic categories, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Recorded Webinar: Vickie Howell on Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding projects are *the* wave of the creative financing future. Tune in for a webinar with Vickie Howell to learn from her success!
What You Need to Know about GDPR, the EU’s New Data Privacy Regulation
On May 25, 2018, the European Union will begin enforcing a new law, called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governing how companies collect and store user data. All businesses with customers in the EU will be affected. Maeri Howard explains what craft business owners need to understand about the new regulations.
Many Happy Returns: Tax Filing Tips for Your Craft Business
Recent changes to the federal tax code apply only to the 2018 tax year — which means that the existing rules still apply to your 2017 return.
Choosing the Right Business Entity
One of the best ways to preserve your profits is to select the most advantageous entity for your company to organize as.
Transitioning into Entrepreneurship: Leaving Your Day Job on Good Terms
As an entrepreneur, leaving your day job is trickier than giving two weeks’ notice; you aren’t simply leaving for a new job, you are leaving for a new life.
Giving Your Handmade Items to Charities: What You Need to Know for Your Taxes
Donating a piece of your work to support a good cause is often not worth the time and effort since only the cost of the raw materials can be written off on your taxes.
Planning Your Exit Strategy Before You Need It
It is never too early to start thinking about an exit strategy for your business. If an emergency arises, you will be prepared.
Managing Debt: Best Practices for Craft Business Owners
People start, and grow, craft businesses in different ways and with many different financing sources, including debt. Here are some ideas for managing debt.
Three Strategies to Consider When it Comes to Your Retirement Savings
Retirement planning is more complicated for business owners, but equally important and worth every effort. Here are three strategies to start retirement planning immediately!
Modern Arts Patronage: How a New Era of Creatives are Asking Fans for Financial Wiggle Room
Crowdfunding through online platforms can look like a great way to insulate yourself from market pressures while pursuing a vision, but successful campaigns rely first of all on building what you’ve already started and treating sponsors as business partners.