- Coffee with Creatives
- Monthly. 15 participants are drawn at random from an Instagram signup, and Charlotte Is Creative picks up the tab
- Power Panels
- Twice a year. Panels and breakout sessions on running a creative business
- Creative Convos
- Free hour-long online sessions with local experts, held between CEI classes
Ongoing Free Programs for Networking & Skill Building
CIC recognizes that not everyone needs (or is ready for) a 10-week program, like the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative. That’s why they also run lighter, regular events. Events are easy to plug into, low barrier and always designed to build community and creative connections.
Coffee with Creatives
A free monthly meetup for Charlotte artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs.
Coffee with Creatives is a casual, in-person gathering where local creatives connect, share ideas, collaborate, and build relationships over coffee. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming, and intentionally inclusive.
Here’s how it works:
Charlotte Is Creative posts a signup call on Instagram. Interested creatives add their names. A random drawing selects 15 participants. We let them know where and when to meet, and we pick up the tab.
Coffee with Creatives is a space where new friendships form, cross-disciplinary ideas are born, and social capital grows without pressure or pretension. As one past participant put it.
These meetups take place every month.
Power Panels
Skill-building panels and workshops for creative entrepreneurs.
Power Panels are panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on essential topics for the sustainability of creative businesses. Sessions cover subjects like marketing for creatives, legal and contracts 101, funding and grant basics, project management, collaboration and scaling creative operations. All events are tailored to the unique needs of artists-as-business-owners.
These events are valuable whether you’re just starting out or already established.
Power Panels take place twice a year.
Creative Convos (Online)
Free virtual sessions for creatives who prefer to learn online.
Creative Convos are hour-long online talks, trainings and Q&A sessions led by local subject-matter experts. Topics focus on practical skills for running a creative business or project: finance, storytelling, grant writing, marketing and other business-building essentials for creatives.
All sessions are free and open to any creative. Creative Convos are a great entry point if you’re curious about the business side of the arts or looking for a friendly, low-pressure way to connect and learn from home.
These sessions take place between CEI classes.
How to Participate
- Check the open classes calendar. Many CEI classes are audit-friendly. Open classes are listed below.
- RSVP or register for events or sessions. Most classes are free or low-barrier.
- Show up, connect, learn and ask questions. Every event is built for interaction, support and connection.
- Consider applying for CEI when the application window opens. This is especially true if you’re serious about building a creative business or project.
Stay plugged in to the CIC community. Attend events regularly, meet other creatives, share your journey and grow together.
How This Supports CIC’s
Bigger Mission
By offering both deep, structured business training (CEI) and light, welcoming community events (Coffee with Creatives, Power Panels and Creative Convos), Charlotte Is Creative builds a full-spectrum support ecosystem for artists and creative entrepreneurs in Charlotte, NC.
Through these programs, CIC helps make Charlotte a city where creatives can both flourish and foster deep community ties. It’s not just about money or exposure. It’s about belonging, mutual support and rewriting what success in the arts looks like.
If you want to sustain yourself through your talents, Charlotte Is Creative is here to help.
How to participate
- Check the open classes calendarMany CEI classes are audit-friendly. Open classes are listed on this page.
- RSVP or registerMost classes are free or low-barrier.
- Show up, connect, learnEvery event is built for interaction, support and connection.
- Consider applying for CEIApply when the application window opens, especially if you are serious about building a creative business or project.
Questions people ask
What is Coffee with Creatives?
A free monthly meetup for Charlotte artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs. Charlotte Is Creative posts a signup call on Instagram, a random drawing selects 15 participants, and they are told where and when to meet.
What are Power Panels?
Panel discussions and breakout sessions on essential topics for creative businesses: marketing, legal and contracts, funding and grant basics, project management, collaboration and scaling. They take place twice a year.
What are Creative Convos?
Hour-long online talks, trainings and Q&A sessions led by local subject-matter experts. All sessions are free and open to any creative.