“I’m learning so much and renewing my mindset… I’m transforming into a Creative Business Owner rather than a creative with a business.” – Claude Whitfield, Founder Backspinz Music Academy

INVESTING IN YOUR CREATIVE FUTURE

Creatives in Charlotte are not only essential to our quality of life and our reputation, they are vital members of our local economy. As we’ve said many times, each individual creative is a small business. But, to thrive in a business town, both part-time and full-time creatives need business knowledge to help them chart the path forward.

Developed by Charlotte is Creative and with funds from Wells Fargo and Mecklenburg County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with support from Aspire Community Capital, Interact Studio and the Do Greater Foundation, the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is a 10-week program held twice a year, that provides individuals with insight, tools, and access to subject-matter experts to develop and grow their creative businesses.

CEI Participants Receive:

• 10 classes on topics ranging from project management, bookkeeping and legal structure, to marketing and storytelling
• Increased social capital and networking opportunities
• Promotion via Charlotte Is Creative’s media channels
• A supportive and collaborative Alumni network
• Access to learning materials to use after the class
• $50 stipend to attend each class
• $1,500 grant, upon successful completion of the CEI program, to enhance their creative business with equipment purchases, legal fees, infrastructure or towards a specific project, etc.

Please note: Cohort members will be expected to attend AT LEAST 7 of the 10 classes to receive their grant.

Class Topics Include: ⁣

• ⁣Finance & Taxes
• Pitching & Storytelling⁣
• Goal Setting & Planning⁣
• Legal Contracts & Entities
• Business Communication⁣
• Marketing & Public Relations⁣
• Grant Writing & Proposal Creation

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for artists and creatives with big ideas and a desire to hone entrepreneurial proficiency and build sustainable creative businesses. ⁣To be eligible, applicants must reside in Mecklenburg County and have a track record of previous work to share. Previous CEI cohort members are ineligible for this program.

Spring 2024 CEI Classes Schedule

Application Dates and Deadlines

Applications are now closed for the Fall 2023 cohort. Applications for the Spring 2024 cohort will open September 20.

• Application Period: Sept 20 – Oct 13, 2023
• Selected individuals notified: Nov 17, 2023
• Spring 2024 CEI Sessions: January – April 2024 

Applications received after that point will not be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Information Session for Applicants

• Tuesday, Sept 26 at noon – REGISTER HERE.
• Wednesday, Oct 11 at 5 p.m. – REGISTER HERE.

Applicants with questions should reach out to ceiprogram@charlotteiscreative.com.

CEI Sponsors