Higher Purpose Co. Launches Delta Creative Business Challenge

Clarksdale, MS –  Higher Purpose Co. announces the Delta Creative Business Challenge for local residents of Coahoma County to launch or expand their creative ventures. Enterprise Community Partners is funding this initiative with a $5,000 National Collaborative Action Grant. Higher Purpose Co. was selected from a competitive application process as one of the nonprofits across the country to receive funding in April 2018.

The business categories for the challenge include Art, Film/Media, Graphic Design, Music, and Photography. Fifteen participants will be selected and receive free entrepreneurship training utilizing the Work of Art curriculum developed by nationally recognized arts/culture nonprofit  Springboard for the Arts. “We are thrilled to partner with Higher Purpose Co. to support their innovative, vital work to support creative entrepreneurs. The Delta Creative Business Challenge will be an important part of building a stronger creative community locally, regionally, and nationally” said Laura Zabel, Executive Director, Springboard for the Arts.

Participants will also learn about community wealth, economic justice, and racial equity. One entrepreneur will win the grand prize package valued at $1,000 * to support their business. Participants will meet twice a week from 6:00pm-8:00pm during the month of August which will lead to a community pitch competition and pop-up shop on September 1st. Residents must be 18 years old and currently live in Coahoma County to apply. Businesses owned by women and people of color will be prioritized during the application review process. Transportation & childcare will be provided as needed to selected participants.

“The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace for several creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses. We are continuing this tradition by supporting our local economy and assisting residents who have creative businesses. This pilot program will be the first of many new initiatives focused on business ownership. Our team and board of directors are grateful to received funding from Enterprise Community Partners to launch this program. We are also thankful for our partnership with the Center for Rural Strategies who continues to help us expand our impact in the Mississippi Delta” said Tim Lampkin, Chief Executive Officer, Higher Purpose Co.

Learn more about the Delta Creative Business Challenge and apply online here to participate.

About Higher Purpose Co. 

Higher Purpose Co. (HPC) is a nonprofit social impact agency based in Clarksdale, MS disrupting the racial wealth gap across in Northwest Mississippi by accelerating the ownership of businesses, land, and culture for people of color. For more information about Higher Purpose Co. contact Tim Lampkin at tim@higherpurposeco.org