AMPLIFY Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Fellowship & Accelerator

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 and Accelerator aims to empower a group of emerging and later-career 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.

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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 the participants 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.

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MEET THE FELLOWS AND ACCELERATORS

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