etown

What etown does

eTown is a Boulder, Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit multimedia production company founded in 1991 by Nick and Helen Forster. Its core product is a weekly nationally syndicated radio show combining live musical performances with interviews and the eChievement Award segment, which profiles individuals driving social and environmental impact. The show is distributed to approximately 300 US radio stations (up from ~40 at launch), is available on-demand as a podcast (Apple Music, Spotify), and is supplemented by a YouTube channel and email newsletters.

The organization's physical and technical asset base centers on eTown Hall, a converted 1918 church at 1535 Spruce Street in downtown Boulder that opened in 2012 and houses eTown's offices, a 220-seat live music venue, a full-service recording studio equipped with Pro Tools HD, an Avid D-Command console, and high-end preamps (BAE, API, Chandler, Neve), and a community gathering space. The venue is solar-powered and supports an Adopt-a-Solar-Panel donation program. Additional products include the eChievement Award podcast, the annual Citizens of eTown membership, an online merchandise store (CDs, vinyl, posters, apparel), and venue/studio rentals.

eTown's business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack: individual donations, the Citizens of eTown membership (annual recurring, modest contribution), ticket sales to live tapings and concerts, private venue and studio rentals, online merchandise, and national and local sponsorships (including SCFD, Boulder Arts Commission, EcoProducts, Hotel Boulderado, Gibson Gives, and others). It has formalized a per-ticket social-impact partnership with Conscious Alliance (announced Feb 2024). The organization is governed by a board chaired by Michael Platt with representation from Foundry Group, Techstars, Stinson LLP, Lennar, and other community leaders, and operates with a small full-time staff (11-50 range) covering production, engineering, marketing, development, and operations.

Name

etown

Legal name

eTown

Website

https://etown.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

eTown is a Boulder-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces a nationally syndicated weekly radio show and podcast combining live folk/Americana music with social-impact storytelling, distributed to ~300 US stations and supported through donations, memberships, sponsorships, ticket sales, and its eTown Hall venue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Media Production

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Live Audio & Social Audio Platforms (MPAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms (MPAIADAC), Live Music Clubs & Venues (MPAGAIAB), Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB), Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

Keywords

• Radio broadcasting
• Podcast production
• Live event venue
• Recording studio services
• Nonprofit media production

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulder

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Membership: Individual donations from listeners, including annual membership program 'Citizens of eTown' offering perks like early ticket access and merchandise discounts.
2. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from live radio show tapings, concerts, and private events at eTown Hall venue.
3. Sponsorships: National and local sponsors receive on-air acknowledgements and brand association with eTown's positive image. Includes SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District), Boulder Arts Commission, and local businesses.
4. Venue Rentals: Private event rentals, recording studio sessions, and catering services at eTown Hall.
5. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling merchandise including CDs, vinyl records, posters, stickers, and donations.
6. Conscious Alliance Partnership: eTown donates $1 from every ticket sold to Conscious Alliance hunger relief nonprofit, though this is an outflow rather than revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

eTown produces and distributes a nationally syndicated weekly radio broadcast and podcast that combines live musical performances with interviews featuring artists and changemakers, anchored by the eChievement Award segment. It operates eTown Hall in Boulder, Colorado—a solar-powered, multi-purpose live music venue and world-class recording studio that hosts radio show tapings, concerts, and private event rentals. The organization funds its nonprofit mission through listener donations, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, venue rentals, merchandise sales, and an annual membership program called Citizens of eTown.

Product overview

eTown is a nonprofit multimedia production company offering a unified portfolio centered around its flagship nationally syndicated radio show and podcast, which combines live music performances with interviews featuring artists and changemakers. The core offering is supported by eTown Hall, a multi-purpose venue in Boulder that houses a live music space, recording studio, and community center, all powered by solar energy. Additional products include the eChievement Award podcast, the Citizens of eTown annual membership program, an online store, and the Adopt a Solar Panel program. The company operates as a single integrated offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• eTown Radio Show A nationally syndicated weekly radio broadcast and podcast featuring live musical performances, artist interviews, and the eChievement Award segment, distributed to approximately 300 radio stations across the United States and available on demand via podcast platforms.
• eTown Hall A multi-purpose live music venue, recording studio, community center, and office space in downtown Boulder, Colorado. The solar-powered facility hosts live radio show tapings, concerts, and private events with a main hall capacity of 220.
• The Studio @ eTown Hall A world-class recording, mixing, and mastering facility with Pro Tools HD Native, Avid D-Command console, BAE preamps, and a Kawai baby grand piano, available for artist recording sessions and rentals.
• eTown Hall Private Events and Rentals Rental of eTown Hall spaces including the 220-capacity main hall, café and bar, green room, and recording studio, with access to professional sound, lighting, and video equipment for private events, weddings, and corporate functions.
• eChievement Award Podcast A podcast revisiting past eChievement Award winners from the radio show, hosted by Helen Forster and featuring interviews with individuals making positive community and environmental impacts.
• Citizens of eTown Membership Program Annual membership program offering benefits including 24-hour early access to ticket sales, 15% merchandise discounts, and invitations to exclusive Citizens-only events.
• eTown Store Online merchandise shop selling items including the Life Lessons CD and vinyl, eTown 30th Anniversary poster, stickers, and donation options.
• Adopt a Solar Panel Program Tax-deductible donation program allowing supporters to adopt a solar panel at eTown Hall for $500, helping offset the carbon footprint of eTown shows, and includes reports on the panel's energy production.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13 million meals provided through Conscious Alliance partnership
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Conscious AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2024eTown has pledged to donate $1 from every ticket sold at eTown Hall directly to Conscious Alliance, a Broomfield, CO-based national hunger relief nonprofit focused on supporting Native American communities, particularly the Pine Ridge Reservation. Conscious Alliance's 'Art That Feeds' model has provided over 13 million meals. The partnership aligns with eTown's mission of using music and conversation to inspire positive change in communities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/etownhall
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTGtS-tJYtDwA_DyaFmElNA
• Facebookfacebook.com/etownradio
• Instagrambit.ly/eTown_Insta
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/etown

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about etown