Made In Chaffee: A Creative Business Bootcamp

Join us on May 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM (MDT) at the Salida SteamPlant Theater and Event Center for a fun and hands-on bootcamp designed to boost your creative business skills. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this event is packed with tips and inspiration to help you succeed. Don’t miss out on connecting with fellow creatives and learning practical strategies in a relaxed, friendly setting! Eventbrite will reserve you a spot; however, you will complete the ticket registration of $60 on the SBDC webpage.

Organized by the Colorado Small Business Development Center, City of Salida, and City of Salida Creative District.

Hosted at the historic SteamPlant Event Center in downtown Salida, this gathering brings together local experts, experienced creatives, and trusted business advisors for a day rooted in learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow an established creative practice, participants will gain actionable insights on how to turn creativity into a viable and resilient livelihood—without losing the integrity of their craft.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in multiple workshop tracks, allowing them to tailor their experience based on their goals and stage of business. Sessions are designed to be practical, interactive, and immediately applicable, covering topics.

Beyond the workshops, Made in Chaffee is designed to foster connection. Attendees will have dedicated time to network with fellow creatives, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can lead to future collaborations. Local resource partners will be on-site to share opportunities and provide support, and participants can take advantage of hands-on offerings such as professional portfolio headshots and curated resources throughout the day.

The day will conclude with a community happy hour from 3:30–5:00 PM, which will be a chance to celebrate the artists, makers, and organizations that are shaping and sustaining our local creative economy, and to continue building momentum together.

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Registration & Check-In
Arrive, grab coffee, and get settled for the day.

9:00 – 9:20 AM: Welcome & Orientation
Kick off the day with a welcome from the City of Salida and Central Mountain SBDC, plus an overview of what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.

9:20 – 9:30 AM: Break / Transition

9:30 – 10:20 AM: Session Block 1 (Choose One)

Knowing Your Customer + Market Trends
Learn how to clearly identify your ideal customer, validate demand, and stay ahead of trends shaping the creative economy.

Diversifying Products & Revenue Streams
Explore ways to expand beyond a single income stream—products, services, experiences, and licensing—while staying true to your creative identity.

10:20 – 10:30 AM: Break
Portfolio headshots, networking, and resource sign-ups.

10:30 – 11:20 AM: Session Block 2 (Choose One)

Marketing for Creative Businesses: Niche + 30-Day Plan
Define your niche, clarify your message, and walk away with a simple, actionable 30-day marketing plan.

Building a Professional Portfolio
Learn what makes a strong portfolio, how to present your work, and how to position yourself for clients, funders, and opportunities.

Green Business Practices for Creatives
Discover practical, low-cost ways to make your creative practice more sustainable—while strengthening your brand and reducing waste.

11:20 – 11:30 AM: Break
Portfolio headshots, networking, and resource sign-ups.

11:30 AM – 12:20 PM: Session Block 3 (Choose One)

Growing Your Creative Business Through Community
Learn how collaboration, partnerships, and shared resources can help you grow faster and avoid working in isolation.

Merchandising & Pricing for Creatives
Get confident in pricing your work and learn simple strategies for displaying and selling your products effectively.

Creative Operations with AI
Use AI tools to streamline tasks like planning, marketing, and communication—so you can spend more time creating.

12:20 – 1:20 PM: Networking Lunch (All Together)
Connect with fellow creatives, enjoy live demos, explore resources, and get portfolio headshots.

1:20 – 2:10 PM: Session Block 4 (Choose One)

Event Planning in Chaffee County
Learn how to plan and host events locally, including permits, logistics, partnerships, and promotion.

Creative Capital: Funding Your Business
Hear from local lenders about financing options and how to prepare for funding as a creative entrepreneur.

2:10 – 2:20 PM: Break
Portfolio headshots, networking, and resource sign-ups.

2:20 – 3:10 PM: Session Block 5

Funding for Artists: Grants, Commissions & Readiness
Explore funding opportunities and learn how to create strong, competitive applications for grants and public art projects.

3:10 – 3:20 PM: Break
Portfolio headshots, networking, and resource sign-ups.

3:20 – 3:30 PM: Closing & Next Steps
Wrap up the day with key takeaways, resources, and ways to stay connected.

3:30 – 5:00 PM: Community Happy Hour
Celebrate with fellow creatives, build connections, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Central Mountain Small Business Development Center