I posted about this on the ArtSupport Instagram recently, and honestly... it flopped. Which surprised me, because I get genuinely excited about the intersection of business and the arts. But I’ve been thinking about why that is — why “business” still feels like a dirty word for so many creatives. Maybe because it conjures the wrong image: cold, corporate, strategic.

But that’s not what I think of when I think about business x arts. I think of...

• Selling your work consistently, in a way that feels aligned.
• Learning about new technology that saves time & admin.
• Turning your skills into something someone else needs.
• Collaborating with great clients.
• Learning how to plan and deliver a project from start to finish.
• Not avoiding finances.
• Getting support from peers and mentors who get it.

When I started ArtSupport, I didn’t have all the answers. But I did have something many artists don’t know exists — access to free programs built to support people like me: small, creative, a bit unsure, trying to make it work.

Here’s What Helped Me

• A co-working space at the State Library of Victoria through StartSpace, where I could escape my kitchen table and meet clients in a professional, quiet setting.

• Coaching via the Self-Employment Assistance Program, where I tackled a business plan and learned to forecast income without a full existential spiral.

• Access to NewAccess mental health support, because the emotional load of running something solo is real — and ongoing.

So many creatives I speak to think they’re not “business-y” enough to access this kind of help. But that’s the trick. These programs are for us - artists, freelancers, makers, doers. You don’t need to put on a suit or have five-year growth projections to qualify.

You just need to know what’s out there.

If you’re in a moment of starting, restarting, stalling or questioning - I’ve pulled together some programs that are currently on offer. These are real, accessible, and usually free. Not every one will be perfect for you, but something might click. And maybe that small thing - a session, a coach, a shared desk - will make all the difference.

Here are some places to start...

Self-Employment Assistance | Workforce Australia

Self-Employment Assistance can help you turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable business. The program allows you to choose the level of support that meets your needs and the needs of your small business.

How can the Self-Employment Assistance Program help?

Self-Employment Assistance can help you with your business idea or existing business through its flexible services including:

• Exploring Self-Employment Workshops
• Business Plan Development
• free accredited Small Business Training
• Business Advice Sessions
• Business Health Checks
• Small Business Coaching

You may also be eligible for financial support while you start and run your business as part of Small Business Coaching.

Apply / dewr.gov.au

Mental Health Coaching | NewAccess Beyond Blue 

NewAccess for Small Business is a free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm.

Apply / beyondblue.org.au

Strong Women Strong Business | Indigenous Business Australia 

A mentoring program that supports women in business, with a focus on Indigenous business women. Participants can register as a mentee, mentor, or both, gaining access to tailored business support, skill development, and a strong network of peers.

Apply / strongwomenstrongbusiness.com

StartSpace - Free Co-Working | State Library of Victoria - VIC

StartSpace is a free business support service specifically for new and early-stage business founders. Free membership offers events, training programs and access to a community of like-minded business and startup founders, as well as use of a brand-new coworking space at the Library.

Apply / slv.vic.gov.au

1:1 Virtual Advice Sessions  | Business Victoria - VIC

Business Victoria offers free online business advice sessions to help you start or grow your small business. The one-on-one sessions with a business expert will provide information on your business idea or how to grow your existing business.

Apply / business.vic.gov.au

NSW Women In Business Program | NSW Government and TAFE NSW

Looking to establish a micro or small business, or already operating one? The fully subsidised* online Women in Business program gives you the skills and knowledge you need. This program allows you to hear from successful female entrepreneurs and access assistance in setting up and growing your business.

Apply / tafensw.edu.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Support | One Business - QLD

One Business provides Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and business owners with access to training, support and advice to help them create pathways to participate in Queensland's innovation economy.

Apply / business.qld.gov.au

Small Business Wellness Coaches | Business Queensland - QLD

Wellness coaches are available for owners and employed family members of QLD small business owners. Coaches can help in finding the right service available and provide references to specialist service providers for support to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and provide flexible business support.

Apply / business.qld.gov.au

New Business Support Pilot Program | Business Advice - TAS

Offers up to two hours of free business advice to individuals starting a business or those with an ABN registered for less than 12 months. Businesses with an ABN older than 12 months can access similar support through the Tasmanian Business Advice Service.

Apply / businessadvice.tas.gov.au

Business Advisory Service | Small Business Development Corp - WA

The Business Advisory Service is free, confidential, and easy to access via phone, online, or in-person (by appointment). It connects you with experienced advisers, providing practical support for starting, growing, or exiting your business.

Apply / smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

Small Business Champions | Northern Territory Government - NT

Provides businesses, Aboriginal enterprises or not-for-profits with support to help them build and develop sustainable businesses. If you are a NT business, Aboriginal enterprise or not-for-profit, you can get help from a small business champion.

Apply / nt.gov.au

Canberra Business Advice & Support | Canberra Business - ACT

This program provides up to 4 hours of free, tailored business advice for both new and established businesses. Support covers a range of areas including general business operations, finances, legal matters, mental health and wellbeing, business growth, transition planning, and business closure.

Apply / canberra.com.au

Small Business Support Officers | Government of South Australia - SA

Small Business Support Officers provide one-on-one support for small and family businesses across South Australia. They can help you do things like navigate government support services, connect with resources within your local area, talk through available grants and funding & uncover tools and resources.

Apply / business.sa.gov.au

Final Note

This is just a starting point.

There’s plenty more out there - I recommend doing a bit of research based on where you live. Reach out to your local council, check your state government websites, and keep an eye on regional programs. Support might come in the form of grants, funding, free workshops, tailored business advice, or peer mentoring. It won’t always be well-advertised, but it’s there.

For a central directory of resources, funding, and business tools for creatives and small business owners, start here: business.gov.au