The Creative Startups Accelerator—the nation’s first accelerator dedicated to creative entrepreneurs—was launched in 2008 in an effort to engage startups in the arts, entertainment and other creative industries. The program provides creative entrepreneurs with a support network and access to an abundance of entrepreneurial resources.
The program was originally launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But last year, the Creative Startups Accelerator began partnering with the Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem to expand their efforts to North Carolina.
The Creative Startups Accelerator and the CCE share a vision of building the world’s largest network of creative entrepreneurs. Their partnership, therefore, will serve as a catalyst for the creative economy in Winston-Salem, the state of North Carolina, and eventually the nation as a whole.
The Creative Startups Accelerator is a 10-week program for creative entrepreneurs who are actively building out their ventures. The program consists of three phases. The first phase is a six-week virtual curriculum component, during which entrepreneurs meet remotely to learn about startup methodologies and core business concepts, such as marketing, finance and operations.
The second phase is an an intensive five-day bootcamp called Deep Dive. Startups travel to the Creative Startups Accelerator headquarters for an opportunity to work with entrepreneurs, mentors and coaches to help build out their marketing and customer acquisition strategies, financing scenarios and investor pitch presentations.
The third phase consists of a Demo Day, where startups will compete to earn funding of up to $25,000 to assist in the launch of their ventures.
The Creative Startups Accelerator takes no equity in participating companies. However, once accepted, participants must pay a fee that covers curriculum, food and lodging during Deep Dive and six months of mentoring. There is no fee for applying.
Applications for the 2016 Creative Startups Accelerator open May 23 and close July 1.
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