Entreprenuer Membership
Entrepreneur vs. Artist Membership: Clear Guidelines for Appropriate Category Selection
We offer two distinct membership categories for solo business operators at LIC Partnership: Entrepreneur Membership and Artist Membership. These categories are designed to reflect the different needs and opportunities within our community. We want to ensure that each individual is in the appropriate category so that we can better support your business or creative endeavors. Here’s a quick guide to help clarify the difference:
Entrepreneur Membership
This category is for solo entrepreneurs—individuals who are running a business on their own, without any full-time staff. Entrepreneurs typically work on projects that have a commercial or corporate focus and generate revenue. Examples include:
- Freelance Graphic Designers working on corporate projects, branding, or advertising.
- Web Developers who design websites for businesses and organizations.
- Consultants or Coaches offering business strategy or professional services.
- Product-based Business Owners like those running retail or online stores.
Important Notes for Entrepreneurs:
- Solo Entrepreneurs Only: If you have full-time staff, you should join at the Small Business or Corporate Membership level, with rates starting at $350.
- No Brick-and-Mortar Locations: Entrepreneurs should not operate from a physical storefront. If you have a brick-and-mortar location, you should join at the Small Business or Corporate Membership level, with rates starting at $350.
Artist Membership
This category is for individual artists whose primary focus is on creative work in the visual, performing, or literary arts, and who do not have full-time staff. Artists typically produce work for exhibition, performance, or personal expression and may not be as commercially driven in their practice. Examples include:
- Visual Artists such as painters, sculptors, photographers, and illustrators.
- Performing Artists including actors, musicians, dancers, and theater producers.
- Craft Artists creating handmade goods, ceramics, jewelry, and other artisan work.
- Writers working in literature, poetry, screenwriting, etc.
Important Notes for Artists:
- No Full-Time Staff: Artist members should not have full-time staff. If you operate as an arts organization, museum, collective, or similar entity with staff or volunteers, please apply for the Nonprofit Membership at $175. If you are operating as a small business—such as a small advertising or brand marketing firm focused on artistic or creative work, please apply for the Small Business Membership instead.
Why the Distinction Matters
At LICP, we strive to make our membership as inclusive as possible, particularly in recognizing the evolving needs of those who both live and work in Long Island City. As the neighborhood grows, so does the diversity of people and businesses that call it home. Historically, the Partnership has focused on supporting brick-and-mortar businesses, but we recognize the importance of adapting to meet the needs of solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists who are integral to the creative and economic fabric of LIC.
By clarifying these membership categories, we aim to serve a broader spectrum of the community while ensuring that we provide resources and support tailored to the specific needs of each group. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or a small business owner, we want to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our goal is to foster a vibrant, inclusive LIC—one that nurtures creativity, supports innovation, and helps all members contribute to the ongoing growth and success of our neighborhood.
Additional Examples of Membership Category Placement:
- Computer Developer: A developer building apps or software for clients would be classified as an Entrepreneur.
- Author: An author writing novels, poetry, or plays would be classified as an Artist, even if their work is published commercially.
- Photographer: A photographer who works primarily on a freelance basis, focusing on artistic projects, exhibitions, or personal creative pursuits, would fit the Artist category. In contrast, a photographer who frequently provides commercial or corporate services (e.g., for branding, advertising, or marketing purposes) should apply as an Entrepreneur.
- Musician: A musician whose primary livelihood is in the music business and who frequently works with corporate clients (e.g., composing for commercials, producing branded content) would be considered an Entrepreneur. By contrast, a musician who focuses mainly on performing, recording, or creating original music for personal projects or independent audiences would fit the Artist category.
Ensuring Appropriate Use of Each Category
We want to make sure each membership is used appropriately so that all members get the support they need. If you're uncertain about which category you fall into, feel free to reach out to Sierra Brown at sbrown@licpartnership.org. Our goal is to support all community members, regardless of category, in growing and thriving in Long Island City.
Please note that we review both the Entrepreneur and Artist membership categories annually. If it becomes clear that a business has grown beyond a solo endeavor, we may request an upgrade to the minimum Small Business membership. Additionally, memberships are held at the business level, not the individual level. This means that when you join, your business—such as “John Smith Pianist LLC”—is the member, with you, as the primary contact, representing it.