creative entrepreneur capital summit

Join Social Art and Culture on Thursday, October 30th, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Dance Place Theater in Washington, D.C., and support the Creative Economy by attending this year’s Creative Entrepreneur Capital Summit. Connect with leading creative minds and expert panelists, along with over 130 entrepreneurs, for a powerful event focused on cultural and financial sustainability! We are pleased to welcome new supporter Mid-Atlantic Arts and to partner again with the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and 202 Creates, the National Black MBA Association DC Chapter, Arts Administrators of Color Network, and We Act Radio Network.

Doors Open 1 PM: Registration

1:30 pm-2:30 pm:  Creative Economy 2030: AI + One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The Summit remains focused on advancing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda while driving trade and economic growth. Yet, the rapid rise of AI, policy shifts such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and funding disruptions across major federal institutions have reshaped the landscape.  This panel examines how these forces are impacting the creative economy, its broader implications, and the strategies required to support arts and culture entrepreneurs, organizations, and workers.

Moderator: Katea Stitt, Program Director, WPFW 89.3 FM

Panelists: Howard Jean, CEO, BlackMeta Agency, Tooshar Swain, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Americans for the Arts, Kyle Moore, Economist, Economic Policy Institute

2:45 pm- 3:30 pm:  The Transition: From Employee to Entrepreneur

A dynamic panel of successful creative entrepreneurs who've cracked the code on building thriving businesses while transitioning from full-time career positions. This high-energy discussion is not about the 'quit your job to follow your dreams' myth, but about how innovative creatives are strategically leveraging their 9-to-5s into an entrepreneurial success. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by their practical strategies.

Moderator: Curtis Midkiff, CEO, SMOGO Media & SAAC Board Member

Panelists: Tommy Taylor, CEO, Taylor Creative LLC; Alison McNeil, Founder & CCO, McNeil Creative Enterprises; and Shawn Perkins, Visual Artist and Designer

3:45 pm-4:30 pm:  Unlocking Hidden Funding Sources

Everyone is familiar with the major arts funding institutions, but what about the lesser-known gems in funding? This session spotlights the essential resources and opportunities available for funding and program initiatives for creatives. Join us as we explore various sources of financial support, including philanthropic giving, impact investing, banking, and crowdsourcing. Discover the potential of these hidden funding sources and feel hopeful about the future of your creative projects.

Moderator: Dr. Carletta Hurt, President, National Black MBA Association DC Chapter 

Panelists: Presley Nelson, Branch Manager, Chase Bank, Geneva Greene, Ph.D.  Sustainable Entrepreneurship Strategic Consultant, Wacif, and Mitch Brooks, Urbane Venture Partners

4:45 pm-5:30 pm:  Go-Go, Growth, and Grit

The Go-Go music community has begun to capitalize on the history, social movements, and recognition it has brought to Washington, DC, but more funding is needed. This session is not just a discussion, but an opportunity for you to be part of the solution. How do Go-Go music and the DMV music scene gain the same access as other major urban cities through the complexities of sampling, covering trademarked art, marketing, and the exponential growth of AI technology? Get ready to be engaged and involved in this important conversation.

Moderator: Kokayi, Grammy-Nominated Artist and 2024 Guggenheim Fellow

Panelists: Kelsye Adams, Executive Director, Long Live GoGo; Cam Poles, Creative Director, Black Alley; Andrea Evans, Attorney and CEO, EvansIPLaw; and DJ Flexx, Host, WPGC 95.5