Create Appalachia to Host Entrepreneur Bootcamp

Program aims to support creatives in turning their work into sustainable businesses

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:47am

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Create Appalachia, a regional organization based in Kingsport, Tennessee, is launching an Avante Creative Entrepreneur Bootcamp in March 2026. The program is open to artists, designers, makers, digital creators, and culinary entrepreneurs across East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Southeastern Kentucky who have an existing business, side hustle, or serious business idea.

Why it matters

The bootcamp is designed to provide creatives with the business education and tools they often lack, helping them develop sustainable revenue models and strengthen the overall creative economy in Appalachia.

The details

The Avante Creative Entrepreneur Bootcamp will focus on key topics such as pricing creative work, understanding finance and marketing concepts, connecting with customers, pitching ideas authentically, and developing long-term business models. The program will consist of both in-person and online classes over the course of three weeks in March.

  • The in-person classes will be held on March 1, 15, and 29.
  • The online classes will be held on March 8 and 22.

The players

Create Appalachia

A regional organization based in Kingsport, Tennessee that serves communities across East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Southeastern Kentucky.

Barbara

The contact person for more information about the Avante Creative Entrepreneur Bootcamp, who can be reached at barbara@createappalachia.org or 423-440-1028.

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What’s next

The program has a cost associated with participation, and interested individuals can contact Barbara at barbara@createappalachia.org or 423-440-1028 for more information.

The takeaway

The Avante Creative Entrepreneur Bootcamp is an important initiative that recognizes the unique challenges faced by creatives in Appalachia and aims to provide them with the business skills and support they need to build sustainable, viable enterprises that can contribute to the region's overall economic and cultural vitality.