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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

San Diego’s First dedicated Business Incubator for Creative Artists! We’re here to help you go from STARTUP to PROFITABILITY by teaching you how to monetize your creativity and become sustainable.

 At You Belong Here, our work is rooted in the community’s ability to thrive in spaces that were not fundamentally designed with equity in mind–education, social enterprise and advocacy.

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You Belong Here evolved into a platform to advocate for artists locked out of opportunity in our San Diego community, namely urban artists, young artists out of college, artists who lack formal training in their creative fields, and rural artists, who are at risk of missing out on business development opportunities. 

 OUR SOLUTION

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The #StartHere Creative Arts Business Fellowship

A 14-Week business development incubator to provide Urban Creative Artists with the tools that will elevate them to economic empowerment, so they can sustain themselves and contribute to the well being of their communities!

 

 

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 Bridging the GAP between Creativity & Sustainability

If you are a creative artist navigating your way through trying to stay afloat and survive from your skillset, but feeling challenged because:

  • You feel guilty charging your community for your services

  • You don’t know how to price your services and/or products

  • Asking for your worth is often met with “wow, that’s expensive” 

  • You find yourself being negotiated or bartered out of your asking price just to get the job

  • Feel like an impostor

  • Feel overwhelmed and lost because you are not sure how to turn your creativity into a structured business

  • You don’t have the support you need

  • Not sure how to grow or expand

  • Feel like you do not have agency over your work when contracting with organizations and non-profits

  • Still having to work 2+ jobs to support your creativity

But deep down inside you want to:

  • Grow your business and create a source of sustainable income to take care of yourself, your family, and still give-back to your community

  • Take control of your life and your creative business

  • Step into your power

  • Advocate for your worth

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In the #StartHere Creative Arts Business Fellowship you’ll 

 
 

  • We’ll explore systemic and generational setbacks that impact how we view our worth, what prevents us from claiming the wealth that our creativity is capable of, begin trusting our instincts and our needs to shift the narrative.

  • We’ll work on creating a business model that helps you stay rooted in your why, develop offerings that make your community and customers to thrive

  • We will explore our WHY, the problem we aim to solve in our communities, and how we honor our rich histories, identities, beliefs, and values. Our holistic approach to business development will explore the intersection of our complex identities and creative business path.

 

  • We’ll deep dive into our BRAND STRATEGY to establish your messaging, voice and tone of your brand, as well as customer discovery and target audience.

  • Identifying your offer, how you intend to solve a problem, and establishing your Mission and Vision for your creative arts-based business. Acquire business fundamentals such as a business license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and a seller’s permit (if applicable). All fellows will be given a stipend to cover the fees of their business license.

 

  • Brand Strategy cont. We'll identify your market share, brand positioning, assets, solidify offerings, and determine how to turn your brand's weaknesses into your strengths.

 Structure of Program

  • Schedule TBA (to include orientation, luncheon mixer)

  • Virtual Group Training Sessions 1x Week

  • At Own Pace Online Courses + Workbooks

  • Homework due at the end of each week

  • Implementation labs: Must attend at least 1 in-person lab (if possible) per month (Labs will be action-based and implementation based; this is our opportunity to work together

  • Networking/Expansion of your connection: Attend up to two GAP (Group Activity Platform) event; i.e., Yoga, Somatic Healing, Group Therapy, Open Mic, Art Showcase, In Your Corner

Perks & Benefits

  • All members will be given an annual #StartHere Membership (up to 10 days to cowork a month + $300 of monthly credits to book creative studios and equipment)

  • An annual membership to our virtual platform to access downloadable resources + online courses

 

ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO:

  • Dedicate 4-6 hours each week (~20 hours a month)

 Curriculum

  • We will explore PRICING MODELS and how to choose the best one for your business. You will create a business budget, learn to price with intention, and learn to diversify your revenue sources.

  • We’ll deep dive into legal formation and Determine the best legal status for you. You’ll learn about your intellectual property rights of your imaginative experiences and skills. And learn how legal practices such as licensing and royalties can help you grow your business.

  • We'll work on the most uncomfortable aspects of running a creative business, protecting your rights as an independent contractor or freelancer, negotiating power, and resolving conflicts.

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