ARTIST ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM
Oklahoma City-based artists are invited to submit an application to be considered for participation in the Artist Entrepreneur Program. This program is open to underrepresented creatives with artistic businesses in the fields of visual arts, music, dance, theater, and film/cinematography. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will learn about topics such as business plans, legal compliance, accounting, marketing, grant writing, and more. The program will culminate with a networking event where artists will pitch their business plans to the broader business entrepreneurial community. Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant to implement their creative business plan. |
THE APPLICATION Applications Open Through May 28 Components include:
THE TIMELINE April 23: Applications open April 25: Zoom Info Session Recording Coming Soon May 7: Open Office Hours via Zoom
May 21: Open Office Hours via Zoom
May 28: Applications Due June 3–July 5: Applicant Screening July 10: Applicants Notified September 3–November 5: Course Sessions (10 Weeks)
November 5: Pitch Night & Celebration AEP FAQs
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What is the AEP?
Who is behind AEP?
Who should apply to AEP?
How can I apply for AEP?
What happens after I submit my application?
What are the goals and anticipated outcomes of AEP?
What does the curriculum include?
How can participants benefit from the $5,000 grant?
What is the commitment required for AEP?
How are participants selected?
What networking opportunities does AEP offer?
Where and when does the program take place?
How do I know if I am operating within Oklahoma City Limits?
How do I demonstrate business operations?
What if I am not a registered business?
What qualifies my business as Minority-Owned?
What is a Qualified Census Tract (QCT)?
How do I qualify under the Negative Economic Impact criteria?
Questions? Reach out to Kaitlyn Hardiman, Arts Management Solutions, ovac.aep@gmail.com. | ELIGIBILITY To qualify for project funding and participation in the program, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria: 1) Be a practicing artist established at a physical location within Oklahoma City limits in any of the following disciplines or artistic genres since March 3, 2021*:
B. Operating in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT)** C. Demonstration of negative impact due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, as defined and determined by the City of Oklahoma and the ARPA Program, since March 2021. *** * The business must be operating within Oklahoma City limits. To determine that, applicants must be able to demonstrate where normal business operations occur. P.O. Boxes or mail service location cannot be used to determine the physical location of a business. Businesses operating out of a co-working space as a place of business must have that business listed on their W9 as their official place of business and a lease or contract with said co-working space that began on or before March 3, 2021. ** The Primary place of business will be utilized to determine if the business is operating within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Businesses must be located within the QCT by March 3, 2021, in order to qualify for the programs under QCT eligibility. *** OVAC will work with The Alliance and The City of Oklahoma City to finalize an applicant’s financial circumstance to meet program eligibility. Evidence can include cancellation of contracts, jobs, lay-offs, or other negative consequences related to your creative business. |
THE 2024 COHORT
Selected applicants will be announced July, 2024
PROGRAM PARTNERS