# FREE Capacity-Building Resources for Creatives

> Source: https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/openclassesb/
> Updated: 2026-05-28T19:06:09+00:00
> Type: Post
> Categories: Articles, Creative News | Contributors: The Biscuit Staff

Established by Charlotte Is Creative in 2021, the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is made possible with funds from Wells Fargo and Mecklenburg

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## **Free Business Training Classes for Creatives**

## ![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NEW-CEI-Logo-1-300x300.png)

Established by Charlotte Is Creative in 2021, the **Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI)** is made possible with funds from **Wells Fargo**and**Mecklenburg County** with funds allocated by the **American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)**. CEI also receives resource support from **Aspire Community Capital,****Interact Studio** and the **Do Greater Foundation**.

**CEI Training Programs Include:**

- **CEI COHORT BUSINESS TRAINING & GRANT FUNDING**: Up to 30 creative entrepreneurs yearly are awarded 10-weeks of capacity-building classes paired with grant funding to invest into their creative businesses. 7 out 10 Spring & Fall CEI Classes are open for audit (for free) to Mecklenburg County creatives.
- **CREATIVE CONVOS**: 1-hour, online talks & trainings led by subject-matter experts
- **POWER PANELS**: panel discussions & breakout sessions on essential topics for the sustainability of creative entrepreneurs

## **CREATIVE CONVOS (Online)**

Creative Convos are online talks, trainings and Q&As for Mecklenburg County creatives that are free and open to the public. Each session will be led by local subject matter experts eager to share their knowledge with creatives who are ready to take it all in!

**Did you miss a Creative Convo or do you want to brush up on something great you learned during one of our past training sessions?
 Not to worry. We’ve got you covered.**

[![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PAST-CLASS-2-300x113.jpg)](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/ceiresources/)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CEI-Sponsors-2023-JULY-UPDATE.jpg)