Leading creators’ app HustleSasa, in partnership with The Alchemist, is hosting a creative digital incubation programme – ‘Turning Passions into Livelihood.’ The 9-month-long programme will empower participants with the tools, resources, networks, and knowledge to monetize their crafts.
According to Hustle Sasa, this incubator programme will achieve this by providing an immersive learning experience designed to equip participants with essential business and marketing skills. It will also give them access to the HustleSasa platform for online business management.
Selected participants will spend seven weeks attending masterclasses facilitated by industry experts from organizations such as Artists Rights Africa. The masterclasses’ curriculum includes topics like financial literacy, budgeting, community building, integrated marketing communications, the future of art (such as cryptocurrency and NFTs), and mental health. The goal is to mold all round creators with comprehensive education and a holistic understanding of the industry and its potential.
Following the masterclasses, participants will then spend two weeks getting onboarded onto the HustleSasa mobile app. The company’s CRM team will guide program participants on utilizing the platform’s features to effectively manage their businesses online. Additionally, creators will receive graphic design and product photography support to help them create professional websites. This will enable them to seamlessly sell their products or services to their audiences.
Turning Passions into Livelihood Timelines
The application phase for the first cohort is currently open. Interested participants must apply here before the deadline – Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, at 11:59 PM EAT. Speaking during the ‘Turning Passions into Livelihood’ launch, the project manager Stephanie Gogo noted that the incubator programme will accommodate more cohorts during the year so as to have a total of 1,000 upskilled creatives across Kenya by December 2023.
Unlike similar programs with smaller cohort sizes, this initiative offers a more inclusive approach, encompassing various creative roles. It is open to all creators – musicians, dancers, event organizers, writers, chefs, beauty and skincare specialists, photographers, etc. Moreover, by leveraging the HustleSasa mobile app, participants will have ongoing support and access to community initiatives beyond the program’s conclusion, ensuring the sustainability of their creative endeavors.
For The Alchemist, collaborating on this project represents another opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s creative scene. With over seven years of experience supporting local artists, The Alchemist will serve as the community hub for the incubator. All in-person activities will be hosted at The Alchemist, culminating in a grand showcase in December 2023. During this event, the public will have the opportunity to interact with the participants’ brands and enjoy a live concert featuring beloved local musical acts.
‘Turning Passions into Livelihood’ is yet another beneficiary of grants to creative-based organizations. It has received a KES 12 million grant from the Ignite Culture: ACP-EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa). The Fund is under the implementation of the HEVA Fund with the financial contribution of the European Union and further support from the Organization of ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) States.
Featured Image Courtesy of KG Brian
