In this episode of the Circuspreneur Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto sits down with Rachel Gomez, CEO of the ACE Chamber, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the future of the creative economy.
Rachel Gomez brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of arts, entrepreneurship, and community building. As CEO of ACE Chamber, she works closely with artists, small business owners, and cultural leaders to strengthen advocacy, access, and economic opportunity for creative professionals.
This episode explores what it really means to support artists beyond the stage through policy, infrastructure, and intentional leadership. Together, Shenea and Rachel discuss how chambers, creative organizations, and artists themselves can collaborate to build sustainable careers, stronger communities, and a more resilient arts ecosystem.
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, arts advocate, or policymaker, this episode offers a grounded, forward-looking look at how we move the creative economy forward together.
What is the ACE Chamber, and why was it founded specifically in Las Vegas?
Rachel Gomez: ACE stands for Arts, Creative, and Entertainment. It is the first business hub of its kind in Nevada. While Las Vegas is a global leader in tourism, world-class entertainment, and now professional sports, it has historically lacked a unified “cultural arts identity” like those found in New York or Los Angeles. We founded the chamber because we realized that while other industries—like the wedding industry or tech—have their own business chambers, the creative community did not. We wanted to move past the idea of artists being “free talent” for other organizations and instead provide them with a dedicated space to grow their businesses and professionalize their skills.
How does the ACE Chamber help artists who struggle with the “business side” of their careers?
Rachel Gomez: Many creatives are “multi-creatives”—they are performers, writers, and directors all at once—but they often feel far removed from the business side of things. We offer professional development workshops that focus on things like forming an LLC, tax preparation, and financial advising. It is often the opposite side of the brain for many artists, and it can be intimidating. By providing these resources, we help individual freelancers and small creative businesses gain the confidence to handle their financial and legal tasks, ensuring their careers are sustainable in the long run.
What is the role of the Advocacy Committee in the upcoming 2026 legislative cycle?
Shanae Stiletto: As Vice Chair of the Advocacy Committee, my focus is on ensuring the creative industry is included in major policy conversations. We are looking at what the community needs for 2026, specifically regarding upcoming legislative sessions. We want to ensure that when the city or state discusses “small business” policy, the language used actually applies to the niche needs of the arts. Rachel Gomez: Exactly. I am currently meeting with the city and county to discuss extra venue space and commercial redevelopment. We want to be the “cultural partner” for these projects. Often, government officials support the arts in theory but don’t include us in the budget or planning. Our advocacy ensures that artists aren’t just an afterthought but are part of the conversation from the beginning.
How does the ACE Chamber bridge the gap between niche art forms and major industries like sports?
Shanae Stiletto: In Las Vegas, everything is interconnected. You see circus performers at MMA awards, in halftime shows for professional sports, and in major tourism campaigns. However, these sectors are often “siloed.” The chamber acts as a hub where these different minds can meet. By having 15 diverse board members from various segments of the industry, we ensure that niche art forms have a voice when the “big conversations” about the city’s future are happening. We want to make sure the arts are represented alongside the big arenas and sporting events so that no sector of the creative economy is left out.
How can local artists and community members support the ACE Chamber’s mission?
Rachel Gomez: The most important thing is to be an active participant. Because we are a new organization—essentially a startup—our vision is shaped by the needs of the industry. We need people to join the chamber, attend the workshops, and speak up about what they need. We also encourage non-creatives who want to support the arts to become members. Whether it’s through volunteering for a committee—like professional development, educational partnerships, or community engagement—or simply showing up for events, the chamber only succeeds if the community it represents is involved.
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This post was last modified on February 27, 2026 7:16 pm