AIGA Announces Partnership with FreshBooks to Support Creative Entrepreneurs and Emerging Design Talent

NEW YORK—AIGA, the professional association for design, is proud to announce a new partnership with FreshBooks, a partner for service-based small businesses that simplifies financial complexity. This collaboration brings together two organizations committed to supporting the creative community through practical tools, professional development, and opportunities for emerging talent.

The partnership introduces a series of initiatives to help designers build sustainable creative careers while strengthening connections across the design industry. Together, AIGA and FreshBooks will launch educational programming, member resources, and a national student-focused design initiative that reflects the evolving realities of creative work in 2026.

“Designers today are not only shaping culture through their work—they are also navigating the realities of running a business,” said Giulia Donatello, Design Programs & Strategic Partnerships at AIGA. “At a time when so many designers are building their own studios, freelancing, or leading small teams, having the right tools in place can make all the difference.”

Through this partnership, AIGA is helping ensure that designers have access not only to inspiration and community but also to the resources that help them build sustainable practices over time. FreshBooks brings an understanding of the day-to-day challenges creatives face, from managing finances to sustaining a business, making this collaboration both practical and aligned with the needs of our members.

"Designers are some of the most creative entrepreneurs in the world, but the business side of running a practice can pull energy away from the work that matters most," says Catalina Lopez, SVP of Marketing at FreshBooks. “Partnering with AIGA means we can meet designers where they are, giving them the financial tools and confidence to focus on their craft while building sustainable, thriving businesses. We're proud to stand alongside an organization that has championed the design community for more than a century."

Through partnerships like this, AIGA continues to support designers with professional development, industry resources, and community connections across every stage of their careers.