It’s the End of Summer, But Not the End of These Opportunities!

We are staring the end of summer in the face, but the opportunities below could be the start of something new and wonderful for you! 

No matter your goals, talents and interests, we’ve compiled these opportunities just for you, regardless of your medium.

FREE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL CLASSES ARE OPEN NOW!

CEI Capacity-Building Classes
PRESENTED BY: Charlotte Is Creative
DATES: Sept. 15 – Oct. 20, 2025
LEARN MORE AND RSVP

We know that business isn’t always the first thing on a creative’s mind. But, if you’re going to make some or all of your living with your talent and passions, you have to know the business end, too.

This fall, you’re invited to jump into six, free capacity-building classes through the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI). These sessions are built to help you sharpen your business skills, tackle tough challenges and connect with other creatives who are working to grow just like you. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Sept. 15 (6:30–8 p.m.) – Project Management & Project Budgets
• Sept. 22 (6–8 p.m.) – Budgeting & Business Finance (ASPIRE Community Capital)
• Sept. 29 (6:30–8 p.m.) – Contracting for Creatives
• Oct. 6 (6:30–8 p.m.) – Overcoming Fear & Imposter Syndrome
• Oct. 13 (6–8 p.m.) – Relationship Building & Business Communication
• Oct. 20 (6:30–8 p.m.) – Marketing & Promotion

ALL the classes above are free to join. We WANT you in the room.
Sign up for one or all of them here.

👉 And don’t stop there. Applications for the Spring 2026 CEI Cohort open Sept. 15 and close Oct. 12, 2025. This is your chance to spend 10 weeks (Jan.–April 2026) getting hands-on guidance, mentorship and the tools you need to grow your creative business.

CEI is powered by Wells Fargo, Mecklenburg County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), ASPIRE Community Capital, Interact Studio and the Do Greater Foundation. It’s not just about classes — it’s about helping you gain confidence, community and momentum.

SEED20
PRESENTED BY: Social Venture Partners
DATES: Jan. 8 – April 22, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sept. 25, 2025
LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Social Venture Partners Charlotte is inviting local nonprofits to apply for the SEED20 Class of 2026 for their annual coaching, storytelling and skill-building program. Applications open Sept. 2.

Selected participants receive communications coaching, professional marketing materials, donor access and exposure through a live pitch event, SEED20 OnStage (March 31, 2026). Alumni also gain ongoing support with governance, fundraising and strategic planning.

At The Table: Youth Residency Program
PRESENTED BY: My Brothers Keeper and
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
DEADLINE: Sept. 22, 2025
LEARN MORE AND APPLY.

This youth residency program includes weekly and biweekly in-person sessions at the Gantt Center and at community partner organizations.

Open for sophomores, juniors and seniors currently enrolled in high schools throughout Mecklenburg County, At the Table provides students shadowing experiences, artwork showcases, recommendation letters and professional headshots. 

Charlotte SHOUT! 2026
PRESENTED BY: Charlotte SHOUT!
NEW DEADLINE: August 29, 2025
LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Charlotte Center City Partners is seeking artists, performers and creatives of all kinds to help shape the 2026 Charlotte SHOUT! Festival (April 3-19) — a citywide celebration of creativity, innovation and community spirit. In the past, these have been remarkable opportunities for local creatives to show what they’re capable of and promote their services to thousands and thousands of visitors throughout this 17-day festival.

Open opportunities include: 

• 2026 SHOUT! Poster
• Easter Eggs on Parade 
• !cons 
• Interactive Art 
• Music 

Open Studio and Mixer
PRESENTED BY: No Stress Sounds

Studio and label owner DJ E Sudd is hosting recurring open studio hours for musicians, engineers and artists to network, share music and utilize professional studio space. To check out the space, attend events and more, reach out to DJ E Sudd on Instagram or DM the No Stress Sounds page. 

Multiple Artist Opportunities in North Carolina
PRESENTED BY: North Carolina Arts Council
DEADLINE: Ongoing (new opportunities added regularly)
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The North Carolina Arts Council maintains a compiled list online of artist opportunities across the state. These include calls for artists, grants, residencies, exhibitions and professional development resources.

Artist Support Grants
PRESENTED BY: Arts & Science Council (ASC)
DEADLINE: Sept. 7, 2025
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The ASC has launched another round of Artist Support Grants – up to $3,000 for emerging and established creatives to grow their practice. These grants can be used for professional development, creating new work or improving the business side of their artistry.

Applications are open to artists in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Rowan Counties, across visual, craft, performing, traditional and interdisciplinary art forms. Projects must take place in 2026, with funds used by June 30, 2026.

Here are two local venues to explore for performance and event opportunities.

Starlight on 22nd
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Starlight on 22nd is a quirky, funky venue perfect for a myriad of events. From open mics, live music, birthday parties and more, Starlight is available for all your creative needs. To check out renting the space, sound specs and more, click HERE.

Sip City
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Sip City is a tucked, quaint spot that has everything you need in an event venue.

With a large open space in the back of a building with a screen, stage and gallery walls, we have seen the space transform for local DJ set and events over the last few months. Best of all… they WANT you to host events there. And, you get two hours for free with an included hour before for setup and 30 minutes after for cleanup. This applies to events that have between a minimum of 20 guest to maximum 100 guests.

If you are interested, reach out directly to Yaz Humaideh at yazanh.bitw@gmail.com for more information about this unique space.