Seminar 1 - Foundations of Financial Clarity

Wednesday, February 18th

3.00 PM - 5.00 PM (PST)

Online via Zoom

This session will be recorded!

Seminar Overview:

Let’s hold hands and dive in - to the most common questions around finances as a working artist!  What does it mean to be self-employed? What are the differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations? What is a “tax write-off/business expense/deduction” and are they different from each other? How should you categorize your expenses in a way that will make your accountant happy at tax time? Do you need to keep your receipts? How can you use spreadsheets to track business income and expenses? Should you consider a bookkeeping software? Do you need a separate business bank account or credit card? 

In this workshop we will work together to turn your question marks into exclamation points, and leave you feeling empowered for a smoother tax season, with the language & confidence you need to have higher level discussions with the financial professionals in your life. 

What You'll Learn:

• Best practices for maintaining records that align with CRA requirements.
• How to use spreadsheets effectively as low- to no-cost tools for tracking income, expenses, and cash flow.
• Tips for organizing invoices, receipts, and financial statements in a way that makes tax time stress-free.
• For artists ready to take their bookkeeping to the next level, we’ll also discuss a few popular accounting software options.

About the Instructor - Gillian Cofsky, Make It Count 

Gillian is a former dancer and fitness instructor turned bookkeeping and tax specialist. 

They lead Make It Count, helping artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community organizations build financial literacy and strong systems that empower their work. 

With extensive experience in nonprofit accounting, arts administration, and community projects, they bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to finance. Based on a family farm in the Cowichan Valley, they are passionate about alternative economic models, social justice, and supporting projects that make a meaningful impact. 

Testimonials:

• "Gillian made me feel empowered to handle the part of starting a business that I found most daunting and was there to provide answers, assistance and encouragement through every step of the way.” 

• "Gillian has been a lifesaver for this right brained gal! I have always felt intimidated by numbers and money (and to be honest, not very skilled with them either) and as an entrepreneur, tax time has always felt like going to the dentist. Hiring Gillian to help me with bookkeeping was the best choice I could have made."

Wednesday, February 25th

3.00 PM - 5.00 PM (PDT)

Online via Zoom

This session will be recorded!

Seminar Overview:

Let’s demystify the Canadian tax system, through the lens of working artists operating as sole proprietors (this workshop is not intended for those with incorporated businesses).

Whether you’re just starting to organize your finances or looking to streamline your accounting process, this session will give you practical tools and strategies to take control of your books with confidence. 

What You'll Learn:

• How to estimate and plan for income tax payments throughout the year.
• Which documents to gather for your accountant—or for self-filing—to make the process smooth and accurate.
• How to handle T4As received from gallery sales, including step-by-step guidance on what to do when you receive one.
• All about charitable donation and tax credits—how in-kind donations work and what records to keep and how the tax credit is calculated and applied to your income tax return. 

About the Instructor - Gillian Cofsky, Make It Count 

Gillian is a former dancer and fitness instructor turned bookkeeping and tax specialist. 

They lead Make It Count, helping artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community organizations build financial literacy and strong systems that empower their work. 

With extensive experience in nonprofit accounting, arts administration, and community projects, they bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to finance. Based on a family farm in the Cowichan Valley, they are passionate about alternative economic models, social justice, and supporting projects that make a meaningful impact. 

Testimonials:

• "For what it's worth, things around taxes and finances are usually really stressful for me, but this year's return is the most easeful it's ever felt, so thanks to (Make It Count) and your team for helping make it so"