Growing their idea is the goal of every entrepreneur, yet acquiring the know-how, space, money and time to achieve long-term success eludes many. However, through Arrow Creative’s Autozone Youth Creative Entrepreneurship Residency Program, in partnership with LITE Memphis, a few ambitious area high schoolers will be given a leg up to develop their creative outlets into profitable businesses.
[Related: Read “LITE Memphis receives $450K grant to expand entrepreneur program for Memphis youth” on High Ground News.]
Abby Phillips, founder and executive director of Arrow Creative. (Photo: Arrow Creative)“We came up with this residency where we work with two to three students each semester, giving them studio space and stipends to purchase materials to make their goods,” says Abby Phillips, executive director and co-founder of Arrow Creative.
The artists’ hub also provides studio space for artists and classes for those seeking to develop their talents. It was founded in 2017, following the closure of the Memphis College of Art, to help fill the gap left in programming, studio space, and access to professional-grade equipment.
Real world experience
After considering the idea for a few years, the partnership with the youth mentorship program followed — but only after a plan of action took shape that centered around students’ wants and needs. In addition to funding and space to sell their products, students are also provided employment in Arrow’s retail shop.
“They work face-to-face with their audience and their customers,” says Nyale Sophia Pieh, program manager for Arrow Creative.
The yearly cost of the program runs around $25,000 and is underwritten by the main sponsor, AutoZone; numerous other individuals also donate their money and time. The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12. The next cohort will begin on Friday, Sept. 15.
In addition to the first-hand marketing research experience the job provides, participants also learn how to merchandise as well as other strategies necessary for growing a customer base.
You might also be interested in: Memphis Entrepreneurs | Memphis Business Ideas | Memphis Talent
