The Opportunity:
Real and Lasting Change

This is business development.
This is community investment.
This is lasting change.

Business & Entrepreneurship Resource Program

The National Independent Venue Foundation strives for authentic investment in the diversity of our communities, empowering independent live venues and promoters to have an opportunity to be catalysts for change. Steeped in entrepreneurial spirit and connected to audiences across generations and backgrounds, these venues can be hubs for social impact, combining education, artist development, cross-sector partnership, and economic and workforce development to strengthen their communities and their businesses. With thousands of venues and promoter members, NIVA and the Foundation have assembled a unique distribution network that offers a unique opportunity to create and sustain change nationwide. 

As independent venues create their own strategies for innovation in their communities, NIVF initiatives offer a framework for activating the deep impact possible.

 
 

ONLINE BUSINESS CENTER PORTAL

Establish an online resource that provides tools and templates for business planning, launch, management and future growth. This portal will be specific to the live events industry and will include business plan templates, financial proformas, and other templates to help plan, open, and grow a live events business.

  • Business Planning
    Market research and competitive analysis, business plan templates, financial proformas, equipment lists, etc.

  • Launch Business
    Resources for how to select a proper legal business entity, selecting a physical business location, insurance, licensing, accounting, etc.

  • Manage Business
    Hiring employees, business accounting, payroll, taxes, compliance, DEI practices, webinars, and trainings.

  • Grow Business
    Talent buying, creating/growing merchandising, strategic partnerships, etc.

  • Job Board
    A portal for NIVA members to post open positions with their organizations.

  • State-By-State Resources
    This portal will provide state-by-state resources connecting users to useful state agencies and funding programs while also outlining various state liquor and business licensing considerations.

 

EXECUTIVE TRAINING CENTER

The executive training center will select an annual cohort of people working in the live events industry that are interested in senior leadership positions within an existing business and/or are interested in starting their own. The program will provide visibility and experience into the various aspects of the live events business and provide the participant with a holistic view of the industry. The participants will learn best business practices, leadership skills, and participate in DEI training.

MINORITY BUSINESS FUNDING

NIVF will provide seed funding for an annual cohort of new venue operators and/or promoters with minority status (BIPOC, woman-owned, veteran, disabled, LGBTQI+, etc). Applicants will be required to submit a full business plan, financial projections, and professional history. Each participant will be mentored by a successful venue operator / promoter within NIVA and will submit to a monthly review with the funding board.