Managing money can feel daunting, especially in the creative sector where funding streams, projects, and income can be unpredictable. This free half-day workshop is designed for creative practitioners, event organisers, non-profits, and cultural organisations who want to strengthen their financial literacy and confidence.

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Facilitator Mylrea Bell brings decades of experience in business facilitation, community development, and education. Known for her clear and practical teaching style, she helps people cut through financial jargon and understand the essentials in everyday language. Having managed a community and economic development agency for 12 years and supported countless individuals and organisations since, Mylrea understands both the challenges and opportunities facing the creative and cultural sector. Her approach is supportive, accessible, and focused on building confidence so participants leave feeling equipped to take the next step.

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What you’ll learn:

- Why financial literacy matters for creatives

- Invoicing, GST (or not), tax returns, ACC levies

- How to read and write financial statements: Profit & Loss, Cashflow Forecasts, Balance Sheets, Break Even points

- Income vs profit, allowable expenses, working from home, depreciation

- Creating budgets for projects and events, including grant applications

- Strategic financial decisions: ratios, forecasts, systems

- Legal structures: Sole trader, Partnership, Company, Trust

- Who can support you: bookkeepers, accountants, online tools, payroll services

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Why attend?

Financial skills aren’t just for accountants. They are essential tools to help creatives and organisations make confident decisions, grow sustainably, and access funding opportunities. Whether you’re running a one-off event, managing an organisation, or working as an independent creative, this workshop will give you practical knowledge you can apply straight away.

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Doors open at 9.15am for a 9.30am start. Workshop concludes at 1:30pm. Please note that a light lunch is included

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This workshop is created in partnership with Three Lakes Cultural Trust and Te Atamira - supported by the Department of Internal Affairs Community Lotteries.