2023 Arts Business Accelerator Impact Report
The West Virginia Creative Network recognized the need to support the development of women and BIPOC- owned small businesses within southern West Virginia counties and areas declared ARC-distressed or at-risk. To that end, they initiated an inaugural program, Arts Business Accelerator (ABA), to serve as a pilot program for a larger initiative. This pilot aimed to increase the number of new arts-focused small business startups owned by women and BIPOC and increase the capacity and growth of already existing women and BIPOC-owned arts-based small businesses in southern West Virginia. TFA accomplished this by providing a cohort of 15 individuals with small-business development training, coaching, workshops, subsidies, and networking opportunities over a six- month training period.
The West Virginia Creative Network (formerly known as The Tamarack Foundation for the Arts / TFA) recognized the need to support the development of women and BIPOC-owned small businesses within southern West Virginia counties and areas declared ARC-distressed or at-risk. To that end, they initiated an inaugural program, Arts Business Accelerator (ABA), to serve as a pilot program for a
larger initiative. This pilot aimed to increase the number of new arts-focused small business startups owned by women and BIPOC and increase the capacity and growth of already existing women and BIPOC-owned arts-based small businesses in southern West Virginia. TFA accomplished this by providing a cohort of 15 individuals with small-business development training, coaching, workshops, subsidies, and networking opportunities over a six-month training period.
PROGRAM GOAL
The overarching goal of this ABA program was to build business and financial knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in women and BIPOC-owned small businesses in southern West Virginia while creating community among participants.
Access the compete 2023 Arts Business Accelerator Impact Report Here.