EPISODE 6
Turning Creative Ideas into Sustainable Businesses
With Kristin Gapske
Neighborhood Theater’s Kristin Gapske shares practical lessons from entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and community-centered business building. This episode covers mindset, funding, marketing, and time management strategies for creatives turning passion into long-term work.
“Networking can feel like a dirty word. But it’s just relationships. It’s just talking to people.”
-Kristin Gapske
Key takeaways from this episode
Make your day job adjacent to your dream — Kristin worked in travel while building her import business.
Hyperlocal collaboration (co-ops, shared booths, First Fridays) is a recession-proof growth strategy.
The entrepreneurial wave post-recession mirrors what’s happening now — economic pressure forces community creativity.
Show Notes & Resources
Small business resources in Washtenaw County:
Association of Businesses of Color
Entrepreneurship Center, Washtenaw Community College
Michigan Small Business Development Center
Organizations in the SE Michigan region supporting the arts through grants
Michigan Arts and Culture Council
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
A HUGE list of Michigan’s arts and culture organizations
Free market research help
Free 30-minute in-person or virtual appointments at WCC’s Bailey Library
For students
University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative
U of M’s School of Music, Theater and Dance EXCEL Lab for performing arts entrepreneurship
WCC’s course Art 285, Self-Management for Working Artists
Time management techniques