2023 CEI Classes Open for Audit
Spring 2023 Business Training Classes for Creatives
Established by Charlotte Is Creative in 2021, the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is made possible with funds from Wells Fargo, the Mecklenburg Community Foundation and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by Mecklenburg County. CEI also receives resource support from Interact Studio & the Do Greater Foundation.
CEI empowers Mecklenburg County-based creatives in their endeavors as small business owners by combining capacity-building classes with grant funding. Cohort members are paid $75 to attend each class and get additional support services, promotion and grant funding during their time in the program. After successful completion of CEI, they receive a $1,500 grant to invest in their creative business.
The third (and current) CEI cohort will run from January through April. Applications for the fourth CEI cohort are expected to open in late spring 2023.
NEW FOR 2023!
Previously, CEI training sessions were open to cohort members only. Thanks to increased support from our partners, we are excited to open a selection of CEI sources to audit by non-cohort members. Participation in these classes is free to those who register in advance. You are welcome to attend and listen to the class, but only cohort members will be paid to attend. And, we ask that auditing creatives hold any questions until after the session.
Spring 2023 Open CEI Sessions
All classes below are open to up to 30 auditing creatives. We ask that you do not register to attend unless you are sure you can make the course as seating is limited.
All sessions below are open for audit and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday nights at the Do Greater Charlotte’s Creative (CRTV) Lab located in Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church at 2400 Greenland Ave. Each person may make their own decision regarding mask-wearing during the class. If you are feeling sick, please let us know and stay home.
| 1/23/2023 | The Project Management Mindset: Goal Setting, Project Timelines, Setting Expectations |
| 1/30/2023 | Adjusting to Changes, Ending Well, Measuring Results |
| 2/20/2023 | Budgeting, Accounting, and Billing |
| 3/6/2023 | Contracts, Legal Documents and Entities |
| 3/27/2023 | Media Relations & Business Communications |
| 4/17/2023 | Applying for Grants & Proposal Creation |
Register Here
If you are interested in attending one of the training sessions above, please complete the form below.
Register to Audit an Open CEI Class