Grab Your Free Shipping Supplies:https://www.stamps.com/usps/free-shipping-supplies/Did you know you can stock up on USPS boxes, stickers, forms and more for free? The post office will allow you to order up to 500 of its shipping boxes or labels free of charge. Order pre-printed envelopes, Tyvek mailers and boxes to send items through Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express online through Stamps.com, or pick them up from Post Offices nationwide.  Minimum orders for most products vary from one to 10 items. USPS will ship all of these items to you for free, no matter how many you order.Don't feel like using USPS’s boxes? Order Priority Mail stickers for free in rolls of 250 decals to use for your own packaging material.

‍Stretch the perks of Your FREE Library Card:

‍What other place can you get free WiFi, access archives of digital and print works for research, and attend workshops or use a meeting space? Your local library is a hub of resources for a creative. Applying for a library card typically takes minutes with a valid form of ID, and grants you same-day access to:

  • Check out materials
  • Request an item from another library
  • Check out eBooks/eAudiobooks and other electronic resources
  • Use library computers
  • Use library databases and online research tools
  • Access your library account online

‍Try An Online Course

‍Knowledge is Power! Brush up on old skills or try your hand at something new with an online course. Platforms such as EdX and Coursera offer a variety of free online programs with an open enrollment and self-paced approach to learning. Courses cover a range of topics, and feature a comprehensive learning library from major institutions. Take MoMA’s free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on Coursera which connects artists, and designers to a global community of learners. Most courses offer the opportunity to download a Certificate of Completion or learning badge to feature on a LinkedIn profile. Link: https://www.moma.org/research-and-learning/classes‍https://www.edx.org/learn/art

‍‍Get Free Supplies For The Win

‍The saying 'you get what you pay for often holds true when you get poor quality for low or no cost. However, it's possible to strike gold on some of these sites: Buy Nothing Groups: The Buy Nothing Project is a network of gift economies, bringing people together to Give, Ask & Receive items and services. Members can give, or ask for items that range from brand new, gently used, or in need of repair, requests for referrals or service inquiries. So get started on your hunt for paintbrushes, spray paint, frames, or other items by connecting with Buy Nothing directly on their platform, mobile app, or independent local Facebook groups.  Link: https://buynothingproject.org/; https://www.facebook.com/BuyNothingProject/‍

‍Online Marketplaces:  

‍Try your hand on neighborhood forums, websites such as Craiglist, and apps like OfferUp for free items. As always, practice safety when communicating or meeting sellers to retrieve items and never share personal information such as your address or banking information.

‍Local Nonprofit or Business:

This might require a little research, but check out nonprofit organizations in your community, or your local department of cultural affairs for free resources. Materials for the Arts has a warehouse that provides NYC arts nonprofits, public schools and City agencies with access to free materials. Link: https://www1.nyc.gov/content/mfta/pages/‍

‍Grow Your Biz With The SBAY

ou probably already knew that you can apply for small business loans and grants from the Small Business Association (SBA), but did you know you can also access tons of resources, get connected to a business mentor and get support in creating a business plan FOR FREE? Visit the SBA site today to get connected to your nearest chapter. Link: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find