Meet the 2024 Spring Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative Cohort

“Having the chance to simply be in this room full of other driven and passionate Charlotte creatives really shifted me into this energy of ‘Wow, artists really make Charlotte an amazing place to be and I get to be a part of this magic,’” said Delilah Eby, knitwear designer, Fall 2023 CEI Cohort.

We’ve said it many times. And we’re going to keep on saying it:

Creatives are small businesses.

To build their careers as creative entrepreneurs, creatives need paid gigs and grant funding. They need promotion. They need connections and generous amounts of social capital. They need access to resources and individuals who can help them and share their wisdom.

But to maximize the potential of all the above, creatives also need the same skills and knowledge as any small business owner. That’s why Charlotte Is Creative (CIC), publishers of The Biscuit, founded the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) in 2021 with startup funding from Wells Fargo.

The program has continued into its fifth cohort with ongoing support from Wells and additional support from Mecklenburg County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Interact Studio and the Do Greater Foundation.

THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

The 10-week program pairs funding and introductory business training for creative entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg County. As impactful and necessary as funding is to the health of any entrepreneur’s journey, what cohort members repeatedly reflect on as key elements of their time in CEI are the education and the community.

The CEI curriculum is packed with classes led by local subject-matter experts, business consultations specific to each creative’s needs, effective coaching in pitching and storytelling, and access to tangible tools to enhance business acumen. To spread the impact of this programming, seven out of 10 CEI classes are open for free public audit.

APPLY FOR CEI

If you are interested in applying to be in the 2024 Fall CEI Cohort (or know someone who should be), your timing is impeccable. Applications open today Feb. 14 and will remain open until March 15 for the sixth CEI Cohort starting this August.” APPLY HERE.

Photography by Dionna Bright (CEI Cohort Three)

April Lee
Fiber Artist

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @latchedxlee
• CEI Program Goals: To learn the business administrative process of a small business and build connections with other creatives.

Christine McLennan
Comedian

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @premiumgoatpanties
• CEI Program Goals: To become a more confident, business-savvy producer of experimental comedy shows in the Queen City.

Frank Expression
Event Curator/Poet

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @Frank_Expression
• CEI Program Goals: To collaborate with creatives to expand the reach of poetry in unique spaces.

Giovanna Torres
Film Festival Organizer/Writer

• Available for Hire? Yes (Especially for sponsors of the first Charlotte Latino Film Festival!)
• Instagram: @cinecasual, @cltlatinofilmfest
• CEI Program Goals: To acquire knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities for success in creative endeavors.

Isaiah Kidd
Photographer/Videographer & Painter

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @kiddvisuals
• CEI Program Goals: To enhance presentation and bookkeeping skills.

Jazzi Goode
Mixologist

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @amomtale
• CEI Program Goals: To transition home mixology business for moms from concept to reality.

Madelyn Hernandez
Illustrator

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @madelynhernandezart
• CEI Program Goals: To boost the success and market presence of their fantasy art business.

Mark Pendergrass
Arts Nonprofit Founder

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @creatingexposure
• CEI Program Goals: To find mentorship, resources and collaboration to enhance productivity and services in Charlotte.

Mia Love Live
Theatrical Performer (Storyteller & Writer)

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @mialovelive
• CEI Program Goals: To integrate her artistic creativity with business acumen.

Nicia Carla
Theatre Maker/Director/Actor/Teacher

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @paperhousetheatre
• CEI Program Goals: To connect with Charlotte’s creative community and to learn business planning to grow PaperHouse Theatre.

Oxana Erokhina
Photographer

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @oksana.roksolana
• CEI Program Goals: To meet inspiring individuals and gain tools to launch her photography business.

Quincy Woodard
2D/3D Graphic Artist

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @thefreequincy
• CEI Program Goals: To obtain essential tools for business management.

Rebecca Lipps
Immersive and Installation Artist

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @rebeccalippsart
• CEI Program Goals: To advance her creative business through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. 

Stephanie Little
Event Calligrapher and Engraver 

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @slletteringco
• CEI Program Goals:  Strengthening business operations and connecting with community organizations for collaboration and partnerships.

Tiara Tiana
Printmaker

• Available for Hire? Yes
• Instagram: @artisticflacko
• CEI Program Goals: To deepen her understanding of the entrepreneurial aspects of art.