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AMPLIFY Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Fellowship

                                                                                                                                   

Background

The concept of Creative Social Enterprise sits at the intersection of business, creativity, and social impact, leveraging the power of cultural and artistic expression to drive sustainable development and economic progress. A 2020 report by the British Council highlights that the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) contribute over $2.25 trillion to the global economy, employing millions worldwide, particularly youth and marginalized groups. Additionally, research from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) emphasizes that the creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with the potential to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.
Despite its vast potential, Creative Social Enterprise remains underutilized in strategies for social and economic transformation. Many regions, including the Caribbean, lack structured, measurable approaches to integrating creativity and business for sustainable social impact. The challenges often stem from limited access to funding, inadequate policy frameworks, and a disconnect between creative practitioners and traditional business ecosystems.


In Trinidad and Tobago, the creative sector remains vibrant but largely unstructured in its approach to social enterprise development. There is a growing need for capacity-building programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative business models that empower creatives to address pressing social issues—such as youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and cultural preservation—while ensuring financial sustainability.

 

Program Goals and Objectives

The East Yard AMPLIFY Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Fellowship aims to empower six (6) emerging creative social entrepreneurs in fashion, film/visual arts, music, theatre, beauty, and culinary arts to develop scalable solutions to social challenges through their for-profit startups. By integrating creative education, social impact strategies, and cultural diplomacy, the fellowship will enhance leadership, sustainability, and advocacy while fostering local and  global linkages.

Implemented by by East Yard Enterprises through funding from the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust I, this 8-month fellowship (March 10, 2025 – November 9, 2025) will support six fellows through three key program modules—CULTIVATION, CO-CREATION & CONNECTION—offering mentorship, capacity-building, advocacy training, and market expansion opportunities. Fellows will develop awareness, advocacy, or action (behavior change) campaigns linked to their creative enterprises, culminating in a launch of their social impact product or service and community engagement events.

 

Program Structure​

1. CULTIVATION (Individual Level) – 3 Months (March - May)
 

Objective: Increase participants' knowledge and skills in creative enterprise, business strategy, marketing and communications, resource mobilization and social impact programming.
Requirement: 24 Days (training, mentorship, and international exchange)

 

Workshops & Training (Local & Online Exchange)

- Marketing & Branding for Social Enterprises
- Budgeting & Financial Planning for Creative Startups
- Resource Mobilization & Fundraising Strategies
- Scaling Social Impact through Creative Business Models
- International Best Practices in Creative Social Enterprise (Online Exchange with Global Entrepreneurs)
- Meetings with Local Embassies & International Cultural Diplomacy Experts
- Peer Mentorship with Established Trinidadian Entrepreneurs
- Internships with Local Civil Sector Organizations

Expected Outcome:

- Fellows develop a refined business model with clear social impact strategies.
- Participants enhance their marketing, financial, and branding skills.
- Fellows establish local and international and diplomatic networks.

 

2. CO-CREATION (Community Level) – 3 Months (June - August)
 

Objective: Support fellows in implementing pilot projects and developing community-based initiatives that align with their creative social enterprises.
Requirement: 12 days (implementation, mentorship, and feedback sessions)

 

Pilot Project Implementation

- Fellows utilize insights gathered from mentorship and peer feedback sessions to launch awareness, advocacy, or action campaigns built around their respective product or service.
- Engage with local and regional networks they developed to test project impact potential.

AMPLIFY Connect Podcast Contribution

- Fellows will co-produce podcast episodes, documenting their journey and insights.
- Interviews with community partners and global creative social entrepreneurs.

Expected Outcome:

- Fellows develop scalable, community-driven solutions.
- Strengthened stakeholder engagement and community impact.
- Increased visibility and thought leadership in creative social enterprise.

 

3. CONNECTION (Societal Level) – 2 Months (September - November)
Objective: Establish ongoing engagement and dialogue through nationwide community events and mentorship.

Requirement: 16 Days (events, outreach, ambassadorial engagements)
 

Community Engagement Series (East Yard + National Outreach)

- East Yard AMPLIFY Connect: Caravans to include school & community visits to share knowledge and experiences.
- East Yard AMPLIFY Connect: Public Workshops on Creative Social Enterprise & Sustainable Impact.
- East Yard AMPLIFY Connect: Pop-up Exhibitions showcasing fellows' products and services.

Creative Social Enterprise Ambassadors Initiative

- Fellows serve as Creative Social Enterprise Ambassadors, mentoring a cohort of youth.
- Partnership building with schools, NGOs, and cultural institutions.

Expected Outcome:

- Fellows expand brand reach and audience engagement.
- The program builds a sustainable pipeline for creative social entrepreneurs.
- Participants contribute to national dialogue on creative enterprise & impact.

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Learning: About Us
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📢 Join a network of global innovators shaping the future of creative social enterprise!

Learning: Welcome
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Our work supports:

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 Project & Program Partners

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 Social Impact Program Supporters

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