Enhance your arts-based business with SCAC grant, program
Or get funding for a big, one-time purchase
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, December 18, 2025; 11:59 p.m. ET
The Artists’ Business Initiative (ABI) is a grant and program from the SCAC that offers professional caliber working artists in South Carolina financial support for arts-based entrepreneurial initiatives and professional training.
And applications are now being accepted for funding in FY27 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027).
The grant can support start-up costs, taking an existing business in a new direction, or executing a temporary initiative (like a single business purchase) that will improve sustainability. A one-time purchase may be awarded up to $3,500, and an ongoing business initiative may be awarded up to $5,000. Further, ABI connects artists to affordable training options that support their development as entrepreneurs and profitable businesspeople.
One of the five outcomes in the SCAC strategic plan is for artists to have opportunities to build sustainable careers without having to leave the state to do so. Technology, obviously, has contributed to that by providing access to an entire world’s worth of marketplaces for them to sell work. But training helps, and so does access to capital to launch or grow a business.
The latest data from the SCAC showed that South Carolina’s creative economy supports 123,550 jobs and generates tax revenues of $360 million. The SCAC encourages South Carolinians to support local artists and arts-based businesses as they shop for themselves and others for any reason or season throughout the year, but especially with the holidays getting closer by the day.
Applications for the next round of Artists’ Business Initiative grants are now open for FY27 funding. Step one of the application process is an intent to apply application. In step two, selected artists will be invited to develop their proposals into a full application. More information is available at https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/abi/.
Artists with businesses are also encouraged to check out the Artist Entrepreneur Incubator offered by the SCAC.