Chatham University

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January 4 – Applications Open for First Leap Program

January 4, 2021 to January 24, 2021
Online - ZOOM

The First Leap Program is an entrepreneurial readiness program for startup and emerging creative businesses coordinated by Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) and Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator (CBA).

Whether they identify as an artist, maker, designer, or craftsperson, creatives often enjoy sophisticated skills in making. But the business skills needed to turn a passion into a livelihood often remain underdeveloped. The First Leap Program will provide creatives with the capability and confidence to become business owners ready to realize financial resilience and social impact. The First Leap Program helps makers answer the question below:

Are you a maker with a product or process ready for the market?
Is your creative business stuck as a startup, but you want to grow?
Are you ready to “take the leap” and turn your creative practice into a creative business?
Can technology help your creative business become more cost-effective?

Through an application process, The First Leap Program will select 10 startup and/or emerging creative businesses and guide them through an intensive, yet supportive, 7 month program delivered in 2 phases. Startups could include makers with prototypes, but no ideas on next steps. Emerging creative businesses are also encouraged to participate to sharpen entrepreneurial skills and strengthen business foundations.
Program Facilitator: Wendy Downs, Moop | Owner, Designer, and Maker

Eligibility:
- Identifies as an artist, maker, designer, craftsperson, and/or small-batch manufacturer
- Aspires to become a fulltime creative business owner
- At least one year of business and/or product development
- Located in western Pennsylvania or northern West Virginia
- Participating or willing to participate in CBA
- Willing to complete pre- and post-program surveys

Priority:
- Minority, women, and/or veteran-owned creative businesses
- Creative businesses operating in low to moderate income areas
- Creative businesses with evidence of and/or aspirations for social impact
- Creating quality jobs
- Reactivating postindustrial spaces
- Revitalizing Main Street corridors
- Elevating underserved populations

APPLY HERE

"This program is funded by a grant from The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation."

INFORMATION SESSION

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Interested in learning more? Join us for an informational webinar to get details about the program and have an opportunity to ask questions. Register Here.

To learn more about the program phases, facilitator, and 6-week sessions and topics CLICK HERE!


Registration and Directions

Fee : Free
Location : Online - ZOOM

Event Contact Information

Michelle Price
412-365-1253
womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu