Erin Carney, Artist
“I am so grateful to have found SF SBDC and Bruce! All of the webinars I have attended have been extremely helpful in teaching me what it means to be an entrepreneur and how I can utilize this knowledge to build a strong business foundation.” – Erin Carney
Erin Carney, fine art painter, creates unique, individual, original oil paintings that are suitable for homes, businesses, museums, and art galleries. Erin has been chosen for three different solo art shows since working with SBDC and has been accepted to the second round of the Dream Fund Grant.
Challenges
Erin came to the SBDC as an accomplished artist who maintained a cohesive inventory of oil paintings but had also been sidelined due to personal reasons and was seeking direction in starting her art business. Based on the client’s impressive inventory of work and drive to launch the business, SBDC advisor Bruce Jones recommended Erin focus on launching the business to begin first by selling the existing work.
Actions Taken
Erin took advantage of the many training opportunities available through the SBDC network. The training consisted mainly of webinars which provided industry-specific guidance, live website critique and a basic business start-up series offered through the start-up grant programs. By focusing on the business launch, Erin was able to apply for the California Dream Fund. In addition, Erin received application support which included a basic business plan, including well researched financial projections.
Results
While working with the SBDC, Erin was able to concentrate on building her website, test the market and receive fantastic feedback. This encouraged Erin to register the business with San Francisco, obtain a seller’s permit and begin to price her work for the market. With her business established, Erin’s art is now available for purchase on her website.
Since the business launch, Erin had her first solo show at The Park Salon in San Francisco and has upcoming shows scheduled at Collage Gallery from October 1 through November 15, 2022 and at Gallerie Valerie, from December 15 through January 8, 2023.
The SBDC was honored to help this talented artist along her journey toward entrepreneurship. Due to Erin’s disciplined efforts, the business has been accepted into the California Dream Fund grant process. If approved, Erin will be able to utilize the funding to rent art studio space to continue creating new art.
“I am so grateful to have found SF SBDC and advisor Bruce! All the webinars I have attended have been extremely helpful in teaching me what it means to be an entrepreneur and how I can utilize this knowledge to build a strong business foundation.“
Erin Carney
artist
