Funding For Creative Entrepreneurs Increases Up To $75,000 At Creative Startups Winston-Salem

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Drafting off its first, highly successful business accelerator, the second annual Creative Startups Winston-Salem opened its application process on May 1. The world-class program helps creative entrepreneurs develop business models and identify funding. Hosted by the Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem, NC, this year's participants will compete for investment up to $75,000. Companies throughout the United States and internationally can apply, however this location makes it easy for entrepreneurs in the Southeast to participate. Deadline for application is June 11, 2017. To apply, go to creativestartups.org/ws.

Creative Startups, in Albuquerque, NM, runs programs internationally and is unique with its focus on teaching and mentoring entrepreneurs in creative industries.

Ten teams will participate in an eight-week program that includes a six-week online course using Stanford University's entrepreneurship curriculum customized for creatives; and a five-day "Deep Dive" in which the teams work with global visionaries and creative leaders. The online program begins on August 7; the "Deep Dive" takes place from September 24-29 at the Creative Community Lab in Winston-Salem. The Deep Dive includes DEMO NIGHT on September 26 at the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem. Teams will showcase their innovations to funding prospects, businesses, and the media.

Competing teams also "pitch" their business concepts to investors and mentors to be one of three teams to receive a share of $50,000. New this year is an additional $25,000 in support and shared services for a creative business affiliated with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. The creative enterprise must be accepted and fully participate in the Creative Startups Accelerator, and agree to operate in or relocate to Winston-Salem. This increased support is made possible through a continued partnership with the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts.

"Last year, 10 creative companies in a range of industries, from virtual reality and publishing to a music venue, participated," said Alice Loy, Co-Founder of Creative Startups. "The winners have gone on to build their businesses, gain additional funding and win awards. We look forward to inspiring new creative businesses in the coming program." 

Major sponsors for Creative Startups Winston Salem include the Kenan Institute for the Arts, City of Winston-Salem, Inmar, and Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. 

To apply, visit creativestartups.org/ws.

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SOURCE Creative Startups