Pilots
Small, measured tests. Each pilot takes one piece of a creative worker’s business, tries a fix with a few hundred people in Nashville, and reports what it changed.
Taxes
Sponsored tax preparationWhat changes when a creative worker’s return is prepared by a tax practitioner and a sponsor covers the cost?Planned · Q1 2027
Tax returns prepared at no charge to the creative worker, paid for by a sponsor.
Returns filed on time. Deductions claimed. Refunds and balances due.
67% of Nashville’s music workers prefer tax breaks to any other kind of financial help.
Creative workers who operate on their own.
1099 to W-2What changes when a creative worker is paid on a W-2 and taxes come out of every paycheck?In design
1099 income converted to W-2 wages, with income tax, Social Security and Medicare withheld from each paycheck.
Taxes owed at filing. Penalties. Payment plans.
Creative workers paid on 1099s.
Steady pay
Wage continuationCan a steady paycheck carry a creative worker through the gaps between gigs?Planned · Q1 2027
A weekly wage paid through slow months, repaid from the busy ones.
Months without income. Bills paid late. Hours worked outside music.
51% of Nashville’s music workers name not enough music work as a concern.
Artists, songwriters, producers, engineers and crew.
Income smoothingCan uneven revenue be turned into the same pay every month?In design
Revenue pools in one account and pays out a fixed monthly amount.
Month-to-month swings in take-home pay. Credit card balances.
83% of Nashville’s music workers are concerned with low or uncertain pay.
Touring and session workers.
Healthcare
Health benefitsWill insured creative workers use their coverage when the money for the deductible is already set aside?Planned · Q1 2027
A health plan paired with capital management that sets money aside for the deductible as income arrives.
Doctor visits. Care skipped for cost. Medical debt.
90% of Nashville’s music workers have health insurance; 65% say the lack of benefits is a challenge.
Creative workers who operate on their own.
Business
Business capitalWhen a creative worker has shows booked and money on the way, is business capital cheaper than a credit card at 22%?In design
Business capital advanced against signed shows and statements.
Cost of capital. Interest paid on cards. Shows taken or turned down.
76% of Nashville’s music workers have never received financial assistance for music work.
Creative workers with booked income.
Automated back officeHow much of the administration and operations can be removed, so that creativity is the primary, front-and-center focus?In design
Books, invoices and payroll run automatically for a business of one.
Hours spent on admin. Fees paid for it.
29% of Nashville’s creatives do their own legal and accounting work; 61% do their own booking and management.
Creative workers running a business of one.