Starving is for suckers.
Let us help you make friends *and* money
as a creative professional.
In early 2014, I was having drinks and talking shop with a friend and colleague who ran an entrepreneurial training program at an art college. Somehow we got on the subject of cool resources and services in and around the city for small business owners that often go unnoticed, and she said to me, "We should put on a resource fair!" I responded immediately, "But not a boring one—something fun and actually interesting to attend."
A few months later we assembled a dream team of support groups—Maker's Nation (my nonprofit), BridgeLab PNCA (her program), Freelancer's Union, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, and a kickass attorney and negotiation coach for creatives—and started plotting and planning for something we called the Creative Clubhouse. It took place during Design Week Portland 2014, and helped more than 130 creative professionals find friends and small business resources in Portland.
Over the course of that afternoon, we also had three panel discussions relevant to Portland's creative community:
- How do I reach new audiences?
- How do I price my work?
- What can we do about the shortage of creative spaces in Portland?
The result was phenomenal.
From the event listing
The Creative Clubhouse brings all the “cool kids”—nonprofits, service providers, and resources—Portland has to offer under a single roof for an entire afternoon. From co-working spaces and legal services to funding methods and local organizations that are here to help, this event is the go-to source for new and experienced creative freelancers and small business owners alike.
Whatever part of town you’re in, we’ll help you figure out what you need most in your business and who in the area is best equipped to help, all in an atmosphere that foregoes that icky networking vibe and offers a casual environment dripping with interaction.
In addition to individual resources, the Creative Clubhouse will feature panels and discussions throughout the day focused on questions like “How do I find new audiences for my work?”, “What can we do about the shortage of creative spaces in this city?” and, “How should I price my work?” We’ll also be revealing one of Portland’s hidden-in-plain-sight resource gems!
If that wasn’t enough, we’ll top out the evening by kicking back with a happy hour that will give you a chance to continue building the relationships that might just last a lifetime.
But that’s not all! We still have a few surprises up our sleeves, so join the club and see what we have to offer!