Investing in Creative Capacity: Highlights from Our Truist Creative Accelerator Series
PGAHC’s Creative Economy work continues to grow, and this fall we were proud to launch two powerful programs as part of our FY26 Capacity Building Series—a core initiative of our Creative Accelerator Program in partnership with Truist. Designed to equip creative entrepreneurs with essential business tools, both events offered hands-on guidance, practical resources, and peer support to help local artists and makers grow, scale, and sustain their creative work.
Workshop 1: Building Dreams from the Ground Up
Date: November 12, 2025
Format: Virtual
Facilitator: Matthew Winston, Truist Financial Inclusion Ambassador
Registrants: 40+ artists and creatives
We kicked off the series during National Entrepreneurship Week with “Building Dreams from the Ground Up,” a foundational workshop focused on financial empowerment and business planning for creatives. Led by Matthew Winston of Truist, the session demystified the process of building a sustainable creative business. From financial goal setting to business structure basics, participants walked away with tangible strategies to help shape and strengthen their creative ventures.
Workshop 2: How to Start a Collective
Date: December 3, 2025
Location: DPARK, 3311 Rhode Island Ave
Facilitators: April Williams, CEO of Kennedy Consulting Group & Taevon Bradley, CEO of StraightWay Media
The second event in the series, “How to Start a Collective,” invited local artists, makers, and cultural organizers to explore collaborative business models. As part of our ongoing work to foster community-powered growth, this in-person panel and workshop unpacked the “why” and “how” of forming creative collectives—from structure and governance to trust-building and conflict resolution.
Facilitators April Williams and Taevon Bradley brought a wealth of experience in strategic communications and media production, sharing real-world insights and stories that underscored the power of creative collaboration. Participants explored ways to pool resources, grow visibility, and build networks that lead to sustainable, long-term impact.
About the Series
The Truist Creative Accelerator Program is part of PGAHC’s broader effort to support entrepreneurship, economic resilience, and opportunity in Prince George’s County’s creative sector. Through workshops, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, we’re helping artists and creatives build thriving businesses and bold visions for the future.
Stay tuned for more events, and check out our blog to learn more about the program’s origins and our inaugural Creative Accelerator Cohorts.
