FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Your Creativity Is a Business.
Find the Resources to Help It Thrive!

Whether you’re launching a creative venture, growing an established business, or looking for new opportunities, the 2026 Arts Month Creative Business Resource Fair connects you directly with the organizations, professionals, and services that can help you succeed.

Presented by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region as part of Arts Month, this free event brings together more than 20 regional organizations offering practical resources for creative professionals and businesses.

The fair welcomes artists, makers, performers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, writers, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs. From independent freelancers and small businesses to nonprofit organizations and established creative enterprises, everyone has something to gain.

Explore Resources to Start, Sustain, and Grow Your Creative Work

Building a successful creative career or business requires more than artistic talent. It takes access to professional networks, financial knowledge, business development opportunities, and the right resources.

At the fair, you’ll have opportunities to connect with professionals who can help you:

• Start or grow a business: Explore entrepreneurship resources, business planning, mentorship, and strategies for turning creative ideas into sustainable ventures.
• Navigate finances and funding: Connect with professionals offering information about accounting, financial planning, business insurance, grants, and capital resources.
• Find creative space and production resources: Discover shared workspaces, studios, equipment, makerspaces, and opportunities for creative production.
• Increase your visibility: Learn about marketing, professional networking, tourism promotion, and opportunities to reach new audiences and customers.
• Build your workforce and professional skills: Explore career development, hiring resources, workforce training, and connections between education and creative industries.
• Navigate business regulations and legal needs: Find resources related to contracts, intellectual property, business compliance, government procurement, and professional services.
• Strengthen your professional network: Meet organizations and fellow creative professionals who can open doors to partnerships, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Meet the Organizations Ready to Help

The Creative Business Resource Fair brings together a diverse collection of regional resource providers, each offering different expertise and opportunities.

Business Development & Entrepreneurship

Connect with organizations that help entrepreneurs navigate business ownership, access mentorship, and identify opportunities for growth. Participating organizations include:

• Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
• Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber
• El Paso County Economic Development

Financial, Legal & Professional Resources

Learn about financial management, business protection, funding opportunities, professional services, and resources that support long term business sustainability. Participating organizations include:

• D&G Accounting
• Matt Waddell State Farm Agency
• Community Resource Center
• Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)
• Statewide Equity Office’s Supplier Diversity Program

Creative Space & Production Resources

Explore the facilities, equipment, workspaces, and creative networks that can help bring your projects to life. Participating organizations include:

• Treehouse: Creative Workspace
• Primer Studio Program / theLookUp Gallery
• Pikes Peak Makerspace
• Pikes Peak Library District
• Independent Film Society of Colorado

Marketing, Visibility & Professional Connections

Discover ways to reach new audiences, strengthen your professional identity, and connect with organizations supporting regional arts, culture, and creative industries. Participating organizations include:

• Visit Colorado Springs
• AIGA Colorado Springs / AAF Colorado
• Pikes Peak Arts Council

Workforce Development & Education

Connect with resources supporting career pathways, workforce development, educational partnerships, and professional growth. Participating organizations include:

• Pikes Peak Workforce Center
• Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance (PPBEA)

More Than a Resource Fair!

FREE Professional Headshots
Need a new professional photo for your website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile?
Stop by the Free Headshot Booth with Kira Whitney Photography for a complimentary five minute photography session. Available from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Sessions are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Experience Creativity in Action
Meet regional artists and explore the creative work happening throughout our community, including live painting organized through Primer and theLookUp Gallery.

Make Meaningful Connections
This is not a traditional conference or formal presentation. The fair is designed as a welcoming, informal open house where you can explore resources at your own pace. Bring your questions, share your creative goals, and connect directly with the people and organizations that can help you take the next step.

Who Should Attend?

The Creative Business Resource Fair is designed for professionals across the six industries of the regional creative sector:

Film & Media | Performing Arts | Design & Architecture | Visual Arts & Crafts | Literary & Publishing | Heritage & Cultural Assets

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, working creative professional, nonprofit leader, arts administrator, student, or business owner, this event offers an opportunity to explore the resources available to you.

You don’t need an established business or a specific project to participate. Curiosity and a willingness to connect are all you need.

Bring Your Questions. Leave With Connections.

The creative sector is stronger when businesses, organizations, and professionals have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Join us on October 26 to discover new opportunities, connect with valuable partners, and take meaningful steps toward your creative and professional goals.

Admission is free. Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Presented by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region as part of Arts Month 2026.