Albuquerque, NM (July 23, 2024) — DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, is thrilled to announce its DreamCreative capital and technical assistance program, designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the creative industries. With support from Etsy's Uplift Fund and DreamSpring, DreamCreative offers personalized funding solutions and complementary business education crafted for creative small businesses.
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Artists and makers can use DreamCreative loans and lines of credit for any business-related expenses used to start or grow creative enterprises, including purchasing equipment, buying inventory and supplies, and more. The DreamCreative program also offers tailored Technical Assistance that addresses challenges and opportunities that are unique to small businesses in the creative industries.
"We believe creative small businesses have a meaningful positive impact not only on our economy, but also our communities," says Dinah Jean, Etsy’s Director of Social Impact Strategy. "At Etsy, we’re proud to serve as an onramp to entrepreneurship, working to help makers from all backgrounds access funding and resources to grow their businesses and thrive. We’re excited to support DreamCreative as a pathway to help creatives pursue their passions in a way that’s true to them, both as artists and as businesspeople.”
Launched in 2021, Etsy’s Uplift Fund supports nonprofit organizations expanding pathways to entrepreneurship for creative entrepreneurs who face barriers. In 2023, Etsy distributed $3.55M in grants to support organizations driving resources to these small business communities. DreamSpring is proud to engage with Etsy’s Uplift Fund in the shared goal to expand economic opportunity to a diverse array of creative small businesses.
“Since our first microloan went to an artist in 1994, DreamSpring has helped countless artists and creatives turn their artistic talents into sustainable livelihoods,” says Anne Haines, DreamSpring President/CEO. “DreamCreative sets a new benchmark in ensuring these entrepreneurs can continue to grow with access to flexible capital, business-building resources, and deep partnerships in the creative industries.”
As a nonprofit CDFI, DreamSpring has been supporting artists and creatives for 30 years, helping creative small businesses support themselves and their vision through access to social and financial capital. Today, DreamSpring works with arts-focused entrepreneurial organizations across the U.S. for educational resources, policy work, and opportunities, strengthening the ecosystem for creative industries to thrive nationwide.
To learn more apply for a DreamCreative loan, visit dreamspring.org/creative.
To join our ecosystem of creative industry resource partners,
visit dreamspring.org/partners.
About Etsy
Etsy, Inc. operates two-sided online marketplaces that connect millions of passionate and creative buyers and sellers around the world. These marketplaces share a mission to "Keep Commerce Human," and we're committed to using the power of business and technology to strengthen communities and empower people. Our primary marketplace, Etsy.com, is the global destination for unique and creative goods. Buyers come to Etsy to be inspired and delighted by items that are crafted and curated by creative entrepreneurs. For sellers, we offer a range of tools and services that address key business needs.
Etsy, Inc.'s "House of Brands" portfolio also includes fashion resale marketplace Depop and musical instrument marketplace Reverb. Each Etsy, Inc. marketplace operates independently, while benefiting from shared expertise in product, marketing, technology, and customer support.
Etsy was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
About DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, the organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners in 27 states, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income earners, people with disabilities, and start-ups. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 48,796 loans totaling over $538 million to small businesses that support an estimated 65,138 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.