Financial Literacy

Generator’s Financial Literacy programs equips creatives with the essential tools for managing their finances, whether you work as an independent artist or within a non-profit organization.

Program Overview

Tax Preparation Stream 2026

in partnership with the Jordan Mechano Bursury Fund

A practical Tax Filling Accountability Club for Independent Artists

This pilot program offers 9 indie artists the opportunity to prepare and file their own taxes with expert support.

Program details:

Dates: Tuesday Feb 17 - March 10, 2025, guided by tax expert Audrey Quinn with the support of Bianca Guimarães.
Cost: Free
What: Learn-as-you-file tax preparation workshop 
Who: 9 independent artists (selected by lottery) guided by the FinLit team (tax expert Audrey Quinn with the support of Bianca Guimarães).
Where: In-person at the Generator Office, 1100 Bathurst St

What You'll Do:

  • Review your yearly expenses and income

  • Organize your financial records

  • Learn tax filling fundamentals

  • Prepare and file your own tax return

  • Work alongside other artists in a supportive enviroment

What You'll Need:

  • A personal computer

  • Access to your invoices/bank statements

  • Receipts for your expenses

What Generator will Provide:

  • Snacks, cold and hot drinks (no one needs low blood sugar when working through their taxes)

  • Guided mapping exercise of how to support yourself as you work through your finances (we know taxes can elicit a lot of things in us)

  • A structure of how you can get your taxes done

  • Internet

  • A supportive environment (a combination of active listening and financial trauma-awareness and accounting expertise)!

  • Fidget toys, yellow tinted glasses, ear plugs, masks, hand-sanitizers, and low-barrier office space. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Self-employed/freelance income (or combination with part-time employment)

  • Low income threshold (under $30k for single household, $38k for 2-person household)

  • New to Generator's Financial Literacy (past Independent Stream participants are not eligible to this pilot)

  • Committed to attending all 4 in-person sessions


How to apply:

Application open on December 10, 2025.
Selection by lottery: January 20, 2025

Apply to the lottery here

Support for Past Participants

Financial Joy Office Hours 2026

Past program participants (2021-2025) can access one-on-one support:

  • Tuesdays Feb 17, 206 - March 10, 2026 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Book 15-30 min sessions online with Bianca or Audrey

  • Booking calendar link coming soon!

More About the Jordan Mechano Bursary Fund


On behalf of the family, friends, and colleagues of Jordan Mechano, we are thrilled to honour Jordan’s legacy with the Jordan Mechano Financial Literacy Bursary. Jordan Mechano was a valuable member of the Toronto theatre community as an actor, writer, and live performance artist. His work was seen in Toronto and Glasgow, Scotland. Jordan had a strong connection with Generator, having taken the Financial Literacy course in 2018.

Thanks to the donations gathered since early 2021 we are able to support independent artists as they seek the support and guidance to continue making art while managing their finances with greater efficiency. This initiative is something we believe Jordan would have supported and we are thrilled to be able to offer this bursary.

Our Programs: Continuing Evolution

Financial Literacy for Non-Profit Workers

Status: On hiatus for 2025, returning Fall 2026

This comprehensive stream has trained dozens of arts administrators in:

  • Project accounting and budgeting

  • Tax filings and compliance

  • Payroll management

  • Cash flow planning

Financial Literacy for Independent Artists

Status: Reimagined for 2026 as hands-on tax workshop

Our traditional 14-hour program has evolved this year to meet artists' most pressing need: filing taxes with confidence. The comprehensive curriculum covering budgeting, HST registration, and financial planning will return in an exciting new format - more details coming Summer 2026.

Looking ahead

Generator remains committed to providing accessible financial literacy education. We’re in the process of reimagining what our Financial Literacy programs will look like.  Mainly - how to get YOU the information you need in a way that is effective. 

Questions?

Contact bianca@generatorto.com for more information about:

  • Tax Preparation Workshop Applications

  • Financial Joy Office Hours booking

  • Future program developments

About Generator's Financial Literacy Program

Since 2018, Generator has provided over 150 artists and arts administrators with practical financial management skills. Our programs have covered everything from basic budgeting to complex project accounting, always with a focus on the unique needs of the creative sector and communities.

The Jordan Mechano Bursary Fund continues to support program accessibility, honoring Jordan's legacy by removing financial barriers for artists seeking financial literacy education.


Our Financial Literacy Consultants include: Kristina Lemieux, Audrey Quinn, Bianca Guimarães, Natasha Mytnowych, Chris Enns