What We Do | RISE Chattanooga

WHAT WE DO...

AMPLIFY: LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

People are yearning for different stories from diverse voices.

An original and distinctive blend of topics ranging from culture, life love and everything in between.

We are aiming to present meaningful dialogue on topics that may not be covered extensively in our local media outlets.

We are creating a constant drumbeat of conversations that will work towards making an inclusive future a reality.

SHARING DIVERSE AND ENGAGING STORIES FROM OUR LOCAL CREATIVE COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

In late 2021, RISE sought out ways to continue to present these unique storytelling formats to a larger audience base.

In February 2022, RISE formed an partnership with WUTC 88.1 FM, Chattanooga Tennessee's NPR affiliate which is a public service nonprofit organization licensed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to curate a weekly series that brings together music and meaningful dialogue to further explore our city's social mobility and cultural affectation from a black perspective.

SHOWCASING CHATTANOOGA'S ELECTIC CULTURAL ARTS LANDSCAPE

Our digital magazine, COCO, which we released in late 2019, serves as an extension of our outreaching efforts to promote Chattanooga’s image as a city of creativity for artists/performers of color.

Through COCO, Chattanooga’s culture producers and creative makers of color and women can be discussed, showcased, critiqued, and informed. Its mission is to build awareness, equity, and community through discussion about art and culture.

Our goal is to build authentic relationships with our city’s growing diverse population and create true connections between our local creatives of color/women and Chattanooga cultural scene primarily dominated by white- led organizations and initiatives.

WHAT IS A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR?

Your first thought may think that a creative entrepreneur is someone who makes a living from their creative ventures, such as artists or photographers. Though they definitely fall into that category, they aren’t the only type of creative entrepreneurs.

A creative entrepreneur is someone who uses their creative or intellectual knowledge and skills to earn a living, usually in a business or as a freelancer. This differs from traditional entrepreneurship that has mainly focused on manufacturing and industrial products.

Over the years, we have worked and supported various types of creative entrepreneurs, from vocalists to hair stylists, from assisting in facilitating projects and events, to providing opportunities for funding and community exposure.

INVESTING IN OUR CREATIVE ENTERPRENEURS TO EMPOWER DISINVESTED COMMUNITIES

In 2019, we officially began to develop a three tier professional development initiative exclusively for Chattanooga’s creative community members of color and women aimed to strengthen and educate them on the business of their creative work.

The Creative HUSTLE

8 week interactive cohort seminars taught by creative and business leaders with experience in both nonprofit and commercial environments to educate and encourage the participants on the path of business success.

Program activities also include:

networking events involving RISE, our partners and program supporters, and potential financiers to connect Hub participants with key individuals, organizations, and resources within the community
connection with individualized coaching & consultation within supportive industries such as development/fundraising, marketing, business development, and financial planning
Startup funds & business checking account for each participant upon completion of program

CURATING CREATIVE SPACES, EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING THAT PROMOTES LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH

Rooted in Color

A family friendly pop-up community event which will be held at various locations in Chattanooga features a curated list of locally talented minority and women entrepreneurs, visual artists and business owners.

There is no registration or service fee for approved participants. Vendor space and overall marketing of the event is provided for no cost.

B.O.O.M. (Black & Brown Owned & Operated Market)

A shared brick and mortar retail space within the downtown historic MLK Blvd neighborhood, known as the Big Nine exclusively for the next level of creative entrepreneurs seeking supportive services to expand their community network and sales growth.

CONNECTING LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS WITH MOTIVATION, POSITIVITY, AND A GREAT CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT ARE CRUCIAL TO ACCOMPLISHING GOALS

The Music Box Project

A three month music programming initiative that aims to provide aspiring local vocalists and musicians of color learning opportunities to enhance their talents as well as provide technical and marketing knowledge, skills, and mentorship needed to succeed in today’s evolving music industry.

This program offers opportunities to be connected within our larger music and cultural arts networks of partners for potential jobs and paid gig performances. Successful candidates will end the program with an customized EP and a full performance showcase.

STRENGTHENING AND ENCOURAGING OUR LOCAL YOUTH TO CULTIVATE THEIR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS

The Grind

Grind is an intensive after school program series exclusively for youth within the ages of 12-17 years of age that places focus on developing and strengthening their knowledge on creative entrepreneurship skills and opportunities.

The sessions are geared toward independent growth and maturity within a group environment facilitated by local artists, small business, and creative entrepreneurs of color.