PIVOT is a free virtual 10-week training program to assist new and growing creative entrepreneurs pivot to running a home-based business as a response to COVID-19 disruptions.
The bilingual training program includes weekly training modules, and group coaching with business strategist and author, Sara Roach-Lewis. Participants will have the opportunity to receive a $1000 microgrant to help grow their home-businesses.
The program, beginning in February, will have new and emerging creative businesses ready to thrive by the busy summer months. The training, designed by Roach-Lewis (SRL Solutions), will be offered in both French and English. Participants will benefit from a community of entrepreneurs to learn along with, as well as support from coaching staff and the CreativePEI network.
This program is open to 36 participants total, and the application process will involve an interview.
The application form for the program can be found here – English | French.
The deadline to apply is midnight on Friday, February 11th.
“Whether through layoffs or seeking a more meaningful way to make a living, COVID has caused a lot of people to pivot in their careers. Many of them have started their own home-based business based on their skills, passion and desire to make a difference in the world.” says Mark Sandiford, Executive Director of CreativePEI. “But to make this work, they are finding they need business skills. This program is designed to give these new creative entrepreneurs the business skills to succeed.”
Sandiford explains how creative entrepreneurs are making something new. “Their businesses are rooted in specialized skills and knowledge and are often driven by passion and desire to make an impact.” While usually associated with arts and culture, creative businesses can also be found in things like culinary arts, niche manufacturing, indie app development and tourism products.
This program is for you if you are transitioning from wage employment to self-employment, looking to build out your side hustle or figuring out how to make all your gigs fit together into something sustainable for you. The PIVOT program is also for people who have recently started a home-based business and want support and training to grow it. Upon submission of a completed business plan at the end of the training program, participants can also apply for a $1000 microgrant to help them grow their business. In order to maximize the distribution of microgrants, the process of writing a business plan is focused on in the latter part of the training program, and coaches will be available to assist.
About CreativePEI
CreativePEI is the sector council working on behalf of Prince Edward Island’s arts, culture and creative professionals in collaboration with PEI’s creative industry associations. CreativePEI organizes information, networking, training, advocacy, collective action and shared services.
For questions concerning the PIVOT program, please contact:
Robyn Gallant, Community Manager
robyn@srl.solutions
(902) 439-6711
Apply before midnight on Friday, February 11th – English | French.
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