The highly anticipated 4th edition of The Creative Class is now open, inviting creative entrepreneurs with early to mid-stage enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa to participate. The Assembly offers a unique opportunity for these individuals to enhance their knowledge through a blend of virtual and in-person business training, featuring a keynote address by Roberta Annan from the African Fashion Foundation. Participants will also have the chance to build a network of peers and potentially win cash grants to launch or scale their creative ventures.
Taking place from January 15th to February 24th, 2024, this accelerator program is accessible to entrepreneurs in various creative domains, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, FashTech, and other creative SMEs. The intensive 6-week experience promises to provide essential knowledge and tools required for initiating and sustaining successful enterprises.
Over the past three editions, The Creative Class has been privileged to host an impressive faculty lineup, including renowned figures such as Reni Folawiyo, Yoanna “Pepper” Okwesa, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Yahaya Maikori, Adenike Ogunlesi, Lisa Mann, Banke Kuku, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, and many more.
Reflecting on the impact of The Creative Class 3.0, a founder noted, “The Creative Class has helped me create a roadmap I’d be sure to follow on my entrepreneurial journey. I’m overly confident about my future and that of my brand.”
The Assembly’s CEO, Yoanna Okwesa, expresses excitement about the upcoming 4th edition, highlighting how The Creative Class has been a driving force behind the growth and innovation of African creative brands, prioritizing impactful contributions. Notably, winners of the 4th edition will receive cash grants for the first time, further enhancing their creative endeavours.
In a significant announcement, Wema Bank and SARA by Wema proudly sponsor The Creative Class 4.0, underscoring their commitment to supporting female-owned and youth-led enterprises. Tunde Mabawonku, Executive Director at Wema Bank, emphasizes the bank’s dedication to entrepreneurship, stating, “At Wema Bank, we understand that women’s entrepreneurship is the lifeline for economic growth. This commitment is evident through initiatives like SARA, aligned with our mission to empower young entrepreneurs.”
The program offers two distinct pathways (ENTR_ and NXT_), allowing participants to tailor their experience based on the stage of their businesses. Masterclasses led by industry A-listers, The Creative Enterprise Programme by Nesta, and peer cluster modules in Sales and retail, Financing, Branding and storytelling, Content Creation, Product Development, MVP Testing, and Export Readiness await participants.
Interested creatives can apply to either of the two pathways:
1. ENTR_ is a market entry program to empower new businesses with essential knowledge and tools to develop their business infrastructure, enabling them to support their creative abilities. Apply to this pathway if you have run your business for 0 – 12 months
2. NXT_ is a market development program to identify and provide solutions for some of the issues that may be stifling growth in the early-mid stages of running a business. Apply to this pathway if you have run your business for more than 12 months.
The deadline to apply for The Creative Class program is December 24th, 2023. Stay updated by following the program hashtag #creativeclasspro on social media and connect with The Assembly on Instagram (@assemblyofficial), X (Formerly Twitter) (TheAssemblyHub), and Facebook (TheAssemblyHub).
For additional information about the program or sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].