This week at the Vera Project, the Seattle Office of Film + Music’s Mixer featured a presentation from Ventures Nonprofit on how to make and save money through participants’ creative enterprises.

“No matter what kind of business you have, there’s a very simple equation,” Jen Hughes, Director of Programs at Ventures, told the crowd. “You have to know what’s going in, and you have to know what’s coming out.”

The presentation began with a round of peer speed coaching, where guests were invited to meet someone new and describe their financial goals for the next year. Hughes later guided the audience through steps to build financial capacity, which she broke into four components: paying down, negotiating and disputing debt; determining sources of income; creating and maintaining a savings plan; and building or repairing credit. Participants went home with information and worksheets to help them think through their finances (which you can find here and here).

Ventures is a Seattle-based nonprofit that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs through providing access to business training, coaching, microloans, and incubation and other services for low-income and underserved entrepreneurs. You can check out their programs and events on their website.

Next month’s Mixer will be 5:00-7:00 P.M. on April 25 at SIFF, where guests will get a preview of SIFF’s Northwest Connections program. The Mixer is free and all ages.

Have something you’d like to see at an upcoming Mixer? Email us at filmandmusicoffice@seattle.gov.