Impact investors have been overlooking the 5% of the U.S. economy made up by creative industries like fashion, film and television, video games, beauty, food and more.
35% of BIPOC–led and and 35% of women-led businesses in the U.S. are in the creative economy. Artists, designers, and creative people are increasingly starting for-profit, social-purpose businesses that need impact investing capital to grow. These companies build wealth in diverse communities, provide quality jobs, and anchor vibrant communities.
This session will feature social purpose business founders in the creative economy, moderated by Upstart Co-Lab founding partner, Laura Callanan. The conversation will focus on specific, current examples of what impact capital can achieve in the creative economy: make it possible for creatives with disabilities to find professional success in film, TV and media; for the African diaspora story to be told through food and for girls and young women to be empowered at the intersection of personal creative expression and smart hardware.
