The Arts & Cultural Entrepreneurship (ACE) certificate program is an innovative initiative designed to equip students and graduates from the University of Delaware’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and other UD colleges with essential business knowledge and skills to succeed in careers within the fine arts. This program aims to empower creative professionals by providing them with the entrepreneurial tools needed to launch and sustain their careers in the arts and cultural sectors.
The program has been made possible through a generous donation from a UD alumnus, currently working in the arts and culture industry, who has chosen to remain anonymous. In partnership with UD’s development office, PCS has secured an initial scholarship fund of $75,000 over three years, allowing current students and alumni to participate in the ACE program. The donor’s intention is to create immediate impact while also committing to a future bequest from his estate to UD
ACE consists of 11 free, short self-paced online courses offered by the Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Participants are also required to complete three additional courses in digital and social media marketing from PCS (courses that are already approved by the Faculty Senate) to build a robust foundation in business acumen.
In collaboration with the donor, PCS will contribute additional scholarship funds to extend the donor’s impact. This financial support enables eligible participants to complete the entire ACE program for $650 or less, compared to the retail value of $2,250 to $2,550. This initiative promises to create lasting opportunities for UD students and alumni, fostering the growth of arts and culture entrepreneurship in the community.
*This is a non-credit certificate.
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