At ACRE Partners, we believe in creative people power. We help creative entrepreneurs bypass expensive big city life, connect with rural community leaders, and dare to do it on their own. Our program helps artists, makers, designers, and craftspeople to unlock the power of their practice to achieve creative fulfillment, financial resilience, and social impact in regional communities.

Applications for ACRE Wheeling, WV are currently closed. 

Want to learn more? We conducted a virtual Information Session on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 6pm – 7pm. Click below to watch a recording.

VIEW VIRTUAL INFO SESSION

Whether they identify as an artist, maker, designer, or craftsperson, creatives enjoy sophisticated skills in making. But the business skills needed to turn passion into a profession often remain underdeveloped. ACRE Partners provides creative entrepreneurs with the capability and confidence to start and/or grow their businesses and realize financial resilience and social impact.

ACRE Partners provides tailored skill building, business planning, and peer connections through a cohort-based learning model.  Participating creative entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to make the next leap in their businesses and realize meaningful economic and social impact for their community. Through one-on-one and group learning, ACRE cohort participants will:

  • Learn from advanced creative business owners who provide tested insights, along with content experts on a variety of topics such as legal considerations, financial management, and marketing strategies.
  • Benefit from one-on-one mentoring from business advisors with expertise in leadership, production, markets, strategy, and more.
  • Develop an actionable business plan that positions entrepreneurs to access capital, build teams, and make the leap into a commercial, production, and/or a retail space.
  • Strengthen connections and networks, including developing valuable relationships with peer entrepreneurs, support resources, small business mentors, supply chain partners, etc.

Who is eligible?

You know what you were born to do. You make great work. But translating those creative concepts into a sustainable business poses a challenge. ACRE Partners is here to help you establish where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there.

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What ACRE offers

With individualized consultations, peer connections, business education, and resources – we can help you cast your doubts aside, develop a sustainable business model, and advance the role of art in the community.

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Program Benefits

Support

Take your creative passion to the next level. Get access to funding and expert support.

Space

Gain the skills and expertise to scale your business from your home into a fully functioning studio or retail space.

Skills

Learn the business side of creative work with educational workshops and coaching.

Want to learn more?

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