# Meet the Fall 2023 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative Cohort!

> Source: https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/meet-the-fall-2023-creative-entrepreneurs-initiative-cohort/
> Updated: 2023-07-21T19:07:44+00:00
> Type: Post
> Categories: Articles

Charlotte Is Creative is thrilled to announce the 15 local artists selected for the Fall 2023 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative Cohort (CEI).

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![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CEI-Logo-600.png)

**Charlotte Is Creative** is thrilled to announce the 15 local artists selected for the [**Fall 2023 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative Cohort (CEI)**](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/cei/).

This immensely talented group represents a fraction of the impressive applicant pool and showcases a diversity in background, experience and creative disciplines including music, apparel, poetry, photography, arts education, digital art, visual art and community theater.

## **WHAT IS CEI?**

Beginning in August, cohort members will be paid to take part in introductory business training courses and workshops, many of which will be available for public audit. They will network with fellow CEI members, alumni and Charlotte’s expanding creative and business community. After successful completion of the CEI program, cohort members will receive a $1,500 honorarium to invest in their creative business.

CEI is intended to help cohort members bolster their creative and artistic skills with the knowledge and framework needed to succeed as small businesses in a business-oriented city.

CEI was developed by **Charlotte Is Creative** and supported by **Wells Fargo** and **Mecklenburg County** with funds from the **American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)**, as well as support from **Aspire Community Capital, Interact Studio** and the **DoGreater Foundation**.

**Applications for the Spring 2024 CEI cohort will open in September.**

## **MEET THE FALL 2023 COHORT**

### ![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TY.png)

**TY ANDINO-MCBRIDE**
 Visual Art | [WEB](https://mulattocharliepaints.com) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/mulattocharlie/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Umayal.png)

### **UMAYAL ANNAMALAI**Visual Art | [WEB](https://boundless-healing-academy.mailerpage.io/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/umayalart/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Kate.png)

### **KATHERINE BANKSTON**Music | [WEB](https://anywheremusicplaymore.com) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/k8bankston/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Esther.png)

### **ESTHER BARRAGAN**Visual Art | [WEB](https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/esther-barragan/f76edc)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Terry.png)

### **TERRY CREECH**Poetry, Arts Education | [WEB](https://www.breatheink.org) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/terrycreech95/?hl=en)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Wes.png)

### **WES CURRY**Theater | [WEB](https://www.dilworthchurch.org/connect/dilworth-players/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/dilworthplayers)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DeNeer.png)

### **DENEER DAVIS**Visual Art | [WEB](https://neerperfection.bigcartel.com/) | [IG](http://www.instagram.com/neerperfection)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Delilah.png)

### **DELILAH EBY**Knitwear/Apparel | [WEB](https://www.delilahdesigns.shop) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/delilahh.designs/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jason.png)

### **JASON HACKNER**Music | [WEB](https://www.gigsalad.com/jason_plus_the_mlc_charlotte) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/jasonplusthemlc/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ALI.png)

### **ALI LONCAR**Visual Art | [WEB](https://www.ahloncar.com) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/ahloncar/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Nigel.png)

### **NIGEL MALONE**Music, Photography, Digital Art | [WEB](https://www.colorfulnoise.net) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/colorful.noise/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Melanee.png)

### **MELANEE MARSHALL**Visual Art | [WEB](https://closetcreativesnc.wixsite.com/ccotc) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/closetcreatives/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Chalice.png)

### **CHALICE MEIKLE**Visual Art | [WEB](https://www.therealchalice.com/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/therealchalice/?hl=en)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Corine.png)

### **CORINE OLARTE**Photographer | [WEB](https://www.corineolarte.com/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/corine.photo/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Claude.png)

### **CLAUDE WHITFIELD**Music | [WEB](https://www.bkspinz.com/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/backspinz/?hl=en)