WREN & SBDC present Business Basics for Creatives: Turning Your Hobby into a Business

Business Basics for Creatives: Turning Your Hobby into a Business

An introductory workshop for artists, makers, musicians, and other creatives, co-hosted by WREN and the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center.

Business Basics for Creatives is a beginner-friendly introduction to the essential concepts creatives need to monetize their work without compromising creative integrity.

In this 75-minute workshop, we’ll cover what it actually means to operate as a business in a clear, supportive, and approachable conversation led by fellow creative entrepreneurs and business advisors. This workshop is designed for creatives just beginning to monetize their work, as well as those who have been selling casually and want a stronger foundation. Participants will leave with greater clarity, confidence, and inspiration to turn their hobby into a business with effective marketing and revenue channels.

Topics include:

• What it means to “be a business,” including a high-level look at LLCs, sole proprietorships, and DBAs
• Clarifying your product or offering and what makes it distinct
• Identifying your target audience and reframing selling as intentional service
• Common creative business models and revenue streams
• Effective marketing strategies for creative businesses.

Date: April 9, 2026

Location: WREN (2011 Main St. Bethlehem, NH)
Workshop: 4:00–5:15 PM (for registered participants)
Meet & Greet: 5:15–6:30 PM (open to the public)
Cost: $30

Meet the Presenters:

Ashley Warwick is a Business Advisor for NH SBDC and creative entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a professional musician and entrepreneur. A Bethlehem, NH resident, Ashley is passionate about helping fellow North Country creatives build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the local creative economy. 

Ed Miles, Interim North and Central Regional Director, is dedicated to empowering New Hampshire small businesses with practical, personalized guidance that meets clients where they are. Drawing on a career in both the private sector and the SBDC, he focuses on creating meaningful impact through empathetic insight, strategic advice, and trusted connections—assisting businesses at every stage, from start-up to succession planning.

Special Guest: Robin Van Diepenbos, Owner/Manufacturer at Birch Brook Soaps

About the Hosts:

The Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) was founded in 1994, powered by rural women committed to the mission of supporting better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development and community engagement in the North Country. Today, WREN is a community organization open to all, providing educational and cultural opportunities in a supportive network.

 New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC) is the leading resource for business advising and education for small businesses in the Granite State. SBDC’s dedicated team of professional business advisors delivers highly individualized, confidential advising at no charge to enterprises across New Hampshire.