You Belong Here
Elevating Creatives to Economic Empowerment by launching an arts-based business incubator, the #StartHere Creative Arts Business Fellowship
Project Description
You Belong Here is San Diego's first Creative Hub where creatives can cowork, connect, teach, and learn with one another to build thriving businesses and communities.
OUR MISSION
You Belong Here is on a mission to elevate our Creative Arts community to economic empowerment by offering access to affordable coworking, studio rentals for content creation and monetization, business development tailored to the arts, and community and cultural programming that is essential for expanding their network and connecting to one another.
-
COWORKING: You Belong Here encourages the culture of collaboration through low cost access to creative-centered space.
-
STUDIO RENTALS: You Belong Here eliminates barriers to entry into creative industries by offering access to studios loaded with top of the line gear and equipment, like our podcasting and photo studios.
-
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: You Belong Here is packed with a ton of resources and programming created by and for Creatives.
-
COMMUNITY & CULTURE: The heart and soul of You Belong Here. Opening our doors to Artists showcases a side traditional business development forgets to incorporate; the complex and beautiful cultural identities of its community
OUR ROOTS
You Belong Here opened in the Fall of 2018 to bring creatives together to learn, share and connect. It was a place where we didn't feel alone. Eventually, through our community-building programming, we emerged as an important fixture of the creative community, for social activism. The collective creativity and expression in our communities began challenging what wasn't working. Our strength was our diversity of creatives. Photographers, activists, poets, muralists, musicians, podcasters–all were joining collaborative forces in a powerful and creative way. And then the pandemic hit. Our collective efforts were halted.
THE PROBLEM: ECONOMIC SETBACKS IN OUR COMMUNITY
COVID exposed the underlying inequities, but the lockdowns exacerbated our economic setbacks.
Sadly, I learned that You Belong Here artists were losing their incomes and jobs, some were moving in with their families to make ends meet, and some were on the brink of poverty.
In 2020, San Diego released its Creative Economy report that revealed our Creative Industries bring in $11.1 Billion in local revenue, however, our communities do not reflect this wealth.
Due to a lack of simple business foundations like EINs (employer identification number), tax returns, and business licenses, over 85% of the creatives I spoke with were ineligible for COVID relief funding. Following that, I surveyed 123 creative artists, and 47% reported that, prior to COVID, their creative arts-based businesses made less than $25K annually.
To put this number into context, the area median income (AMI) in San Diego as an individual is $106,900 (SanDiegoCounty.gov, 2022).
"The income needed to make ends meet in San Diego County is 4.1 times more than the Federal Poverty Level."
- Self-Sufficiency Standard to survive in San Diego
This dynamic isn't unique to San Diego. In many US communities, this is the case. As a result of COVID, we have been able to emphasize the previously overlooked need for business acumen and economic empowerment in our creative communities.
THE SOLUTION
At You Belong Here, Our work is rooted in the community’s ability to thrive in spaces that were not fundamentally designed with equity in mind–education, social enterprise and advocacy.
You Belong Here is advocating for the economic prosperity of creatives by expanding access to business education resources tailored to the creative arts– bridging the gap between creativity and sustainability.
We want to expand our workshop and business development offerings that we provide locally and launch our creative arts fellowship program (the first of its kind in San Diego County)
The #StartHere Creative Business Fellowship, a 10-week intensive program that centers urban creative artists, to take them from ideation to profitability.
Fellows are going to walk away understanding how they can MONETIZE their creativity by creating a business model, how to price their services and products, how to track their expenses and build profit, protect their Intellectual property, and put together a business plan that will set them up for long-term growth.
REACHING ARTISTS BEYOND SAN DIEGO
YBH evolved into a platform to advocate for artists locked out of opportunity in our San Diego community, namely urban artists, young artists out of college, artists who lack formal training in their creative fields, and rural artists, who are at risk of missing out on business development opportunities.
Our goal is to digitize our business resources and courses onto a digital platform so that they can be available to creative artists who cannot access creative economy resources or small business development programs tailored to the creative arts!
WHO DO WE SERVE
There is no better investment than in Creatives. Creative passions can serve as the social fabric of our communities and lead to scalable and profitable businesses. Our cities are richer in culture and identity because of us!
We serve creative arts-based businesses and individuals in the following industries; music, filmmaking, videography, photography, graphic and website design, poets, copywriters, fashion designers, fine art artists, zine designers, podcasters, bloggers, content creators, online course creators, and so much more!
Over 21,000 creative freelancers live in San Diego County and the number is growing. There is a strong desire for learning in our community. This doesn't even touch on the need outside of San Diego.
HELP US GROW
You Belong Here is raising $50K on IFW to launch our digital online business and community platform as well as the #StartHere Creative Business Fellowship pilot program.
You Belong Here needs to build its capacity to grow sustainably. We will need offer both local and digital services to expand our local workshops, and broaden our impact through a digital platform that will be accessible beyond San Diego, allowing us to better meet the needs of artists around the nation. In order to accomplish these next steps,
Our funding will be invested into:
-
Expanding our human resources; to accommodate greater programming
-
Tech & Software Infrastructure; to create robust internal systems for expansion
-
Equipment; to increase accessibility and remove technical barriers to entry for fellows
WHY WE CARE?
We are a women owned and operated team that is committed to making our neighborhoods, cities, and creative art communities accessible while amplifying the fairness in how we are compensated, valued, and run sustainable businesses. In addition to celebrating the joys of our cultures and identities with our community, we believe in nurturing a safe space that fosters the intersection of business and cultural identity.
Nic Roc, Owner and program director of You Belong Here brings 14 years of business experience within the Creative Arts industry. She is certified in entrepreneur center management, funding for creatives, and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. She is eager to build with her community and help to elevate our creative arts community to economic empowerment.
Please check out our campaign page for some great rewards! We need your help to grow and expand these programs throughout our communities.
With your support, together, we can elevate the creative community to economic prosperity.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
If you have questions outside the scope of the FAQ below, please email Nic Roc at [email protected]
Please note, to ensure that you receive your rewards, please be sure to provide us with the best contact email. As we begin to distribute rewards, we will contact you first.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I get my money back if I no longer decide to back this funding campaign?
- Unfortunately no. We hope that you realize your investment will go into helping us build a sustainable infrastructure that gives back to our community. The funding we raise will help us to build valuable and necessary educational services and tools that we will share with our community.
- When and How will I receive my downloadable resources?
- After you have contributed, please be sure to leave a note informing us of the best email to contact you. We will then distribute a link to download your PDF resources via dropbox.
- When can I expect to receive my laser-cut notebook and pen?
- All orders will be shipped out once the campaign has closed and production is complete. Please ensure we have the best email address to contact you so that we can confirm your shipping address.
- What if I don't live in San Diego and can't use the physical coworking passes?
- We're happing to donate your coworking passes to our community. We're equally happy to shout you out as contributing to the community.
- How do I enroll onto the digital platform?
- We are currently in the process of establishing the digital platform. Our launch date is set for March 1st, 2023. More details will be sent to you via email. Please be sure to leave us the best email to contact you.
Secure your spot as our founding fellow in our #StartHere Creative Arts Business Fellowship program or sponsor a fellow!
In order to eliminate barriers to entry, we want to help those who need our business development services most but are facing financial setbacks acquire the educational tools and resources they need to grow.
We're looking for sponsors to provide scholarships to our Fellows! We'll accept up to 12 Fellows.
Upon reaching the funding goal for 12 fellows, additional funds in this reward category will be used to provide space to a local organization, artist, or leader for program development.
PERKS TO INCLUDE:
- Listed as Title Sponsor for the #StartHere Creative Biz Fellowship Cohort 1 or listed as Title Sponsor for 1 Program
- Public Acknowledgment and Promotion - Visibility on marketing signage (in-person, social media, and website) for Fellow/Program Sponsorship
- Highlight in our newsletter
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here Tote
- An invite to a Private Catered Luncheon with the Fellows
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local community organization, if desired.
You Belong Here is a great place to find the support and resources you need to launch your business to success! #StartHere
Our CEO IN THE MAKING reward is a professional empowerment package.
PERKS INCLUDE:
- 1 Event rental to activate your workshop or launch party with up to 4 hours of event rental space ($380 value)
- Brand Strategy consulting with Nic (1-on-1) ($2,550 value)
- Digital Membership to our online platform for 1 year ($250)
- 1 Free Ticket for The Huddle Retreat ($299 value) - a one-day business roadmapping workshop
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here tote
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Shout Outs: Instagram Feed (part 1) as one of our FOUNDING MEMBERS on our digital platform, IG Stories business and brand highlight
- Featured business on You Belong Here Directory Listing
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local small business owner, if desired.
Just Because I Care.
Any amount you give will greatly help us to:
- Invest in our community by hiring BIPOC individuals
- Keep programming free at You Belong Here
- Provide memberships and studio rentals to our community at little to no cost
- Help us to build business development programming that is tailored to creatives (something that is non-existent in San Diego)
Thank you for your support! As a thank you, we'll highlight your business or brand with a shout-out on our Instagram stories!
Plus, you'll get access to our exclusive
- "How To Monetize Your Creativity" a 10-page PDF, to help spark ideas and paths to the development of your business idea!
We'll give you access to our creative business STARTUP bundle of downloadable resources and more:
- 2 - Day Passes to Cowork ($40 valule)
- Establishing your Mission and Vision - Slideshow + Workbook
- Establishing a Purpose Driven Business - Slideshow + Workbook
- Define Your Ideal Customer - Workbook
Plus, we'll also give you, your business or brand a SHOUT OUT on our INSTAGRAM IG STORIES, thanking you for your generous donation!
Please be sure to provide your email address so we can send you a link to download the resources.
You'll receive the following rewards:
- Shout Out of your business or brand on our INSTAGRAM STORIES
- You'll receive our Creative Biz StartUp Bundle of downloadable PDF workbooks and instructional slideshows
- You'll get 4 Coworking Passes with up to 2 Hours of Meeting Room time (valued at $105)
This reward level gives you access to our studio of rentals plus additional perks!
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- $50 Credits in Studio credits (photo, podcast, meeting room, event rental, day passes)
- Free Add-Ons (i.e., photography lighting, Livestreaming setup, audio/mics)
Join Brianda Vargas of cOMmunity Yoga and Mindfulness and the instructor of You Belong Yoga, for self-compassion sessions. This is a new program that Brianda will be offering, and you will be amongst the first to take part in this valuable workshop.
This is the perfect gift for yourself or a friend or family member, as we make our way into a new season of growth and change.
What's included (full day session):
-
1 Hour Yoga session
-
Meditation/Reiki Healing
-
Light snack + healthy Green Juice
-
Self-Compassion Journaling Circle
-
Laser-cut journal and pen from You Belong Here
Why self compassion?
Self-Compassion can bring light to your life. Whether we are starting a new habit or struggling with a tragedy. Learning to be compassionate to yourself can bring ease to the situation. Studies have shown individuals who are more self-compassionate tend to have greater happiness, life satisfaction and motivation, better relationships and physical health, and less anxiety and depression. In these five sessions we will learn the components of self-compassion from Kristen Neff and how to incorporate it into your daily life. By integrating nourishment for your body, a self loving yoga practice, and reiki to help you release limiting beliefs you will gain a sense of wellbeing. Together we will step into the journey of self compassion with the intention to increase our awareness and self worth.
This reward level gives you access to our studio of rentals plus additional perks!
- Apolis Sustainably sourced You Belong Here tote
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- $75 in Credits (can be used towards a membership plan, an event rental, photo studio, podcast studio, meeting room, or day passes)
- We'll give you and/or your business or brand a shoutout on our social media
- Free Add-Ons for rentals (i.e., photography lighting, Livestreaming setup, audio/mics)
This reward level unlocks some powerful perks! You'll be one of the first members to get access to our digital platform where we'll host online creative business classes, workshops, networking events, PDF downloadable business resources, office hours, and so much more
- Apolis sustainable branded You Belong Here bag
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Digital Membership for 1 year on our YBH Digital Platform
- Exclusive invite to our Digital Launch Party
- 5 Day Passes to cowork at our physical location (valued at $75)
- Shout out and Acknowledgement on You Belong Here Instagram; we'll share your business or brand as a FOUNDING MEMBER of the digital platform with a dedicated FEED and STORIES post.
- You'll be included in our REELS video of the first look at our Digital Platform
- Exclusive access to our You Belong Here Hype Business Musical Playlist
You Belong Here is a great place to find the support and resources you need to launch your business to success! #StartHere
Our Biz Power UP Sesh reward is a professional empowerment package.
PERKS INCLUDE:
- 3 - 1 hr Business Consulting Strategy calls/in-person meetings ($375 Value): Nic will help you clarify your offering, fine-tune your pricing strategy, work with you on your Mission + Vision, and Unique Value Proposition. She'll help you understand where and how to find your customers, or strategize a storytelling marketing plan, and so much more! With over 14 years of working in the Creative Industry in design and manufacturing, Nic has been featured in magazines such as HGTV, Martha Stewart, Bon Apetit, and featured on the renown Business Rockstars Network. She licensed a line of her products to Urban Outfitters helping her to score her first major deal with a big box brand. Nic also had over 80+ boutiques (national and international) carry her line of products.
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- 5 Day Passes to cowork ($75 value)
- Shout Outs: Instagram Feed and Stories
- Use the full value contributed ($275) towards the cost of the #StartHereCreative Arts Business Fellowship, should you wish to join the incubator to further develop your small business.
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local small business owner, if desired.
At You Belong Here we believe in giving back to our community and being a space that can empower and amplify the voices and identities of our community.
We're looking for Title Sponsors who can help support the development of programming at You Belong Here.
Access to physical space, programming assistance, and equipment can be a challenge for our Creative Artists. With your help, You Belong Here can sustainably support our community of artists, leaders, and organizers.
PERKS TO INCLUDE:
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here Tote
- You Belong Here Laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Public Acknowledgment and Promotion
- Visibility on marketing signage (in-person, social media, and website) for 1 community event of your choice at You Belong Here
- Highlight in our newsletter
- 2 Day Passes to cowork at our physical location
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local community organization, if desired.
Rewards
Secure your spot as our founding fellow in our #StartHere Creative Arts Business Fellowship program or sponsor a fellow!
In order to eliminate barriers to entry, we want to help those who need our business development services most but are facing financial setbacks acquire the educational tools and resources they need to grow.
We're looking for sponsors to provide scholarships to our Fellows! We'll accept up to 12 Fellows.
Upon reaching the funding goal for 12 fellows, additional funds in this reward category will be used to provide space to a local organization, artist, or leader for program development.
PERKS TO INCLUDE:
- Listed as Title Sponsor for the #StartHere Creative Biz Fellowship Cohort 1 or listed as Title Sponsor for 1 Program
- Public Acknowledgment and Promotion - Visibility on marketing signage (in-person, social media, and website) for Fellow/Program Sponsorship
- Highlight in our newsletter
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here Tote
- An invite to a Private Catered Luncheon with the Fellows
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local community organization, if desired.
You Belong Here is a great place to find the support and resources you need to launch your business to success! #StartHere
Our CEO IN THE MAKING reward is a professional empowerment package.
PERKS INCLUDE:
- 1 Event rental to activate your workshop or launch party with up to 4 hours of event rental space ($380 value)
- Brand Strategy consulting with Nic (1-on-1) ($2,550 value)
- Digital Membership to our online platform for 1 year ($250)
- 1 Free Ticket for The Huddle Retreat ($299 value) - a one-day business roadmapping workshop
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here tote
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Shout Outs: Instagram Feed (part 1) as one of our FOUNDING MEMBERS on our digital platform, IG Stories business and brand highlight
- Featured business on You Belong Here Directory Listing
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local small business owner, if desired.
Just Because I Care.
Any amount you give will greatly help us to:
- Invest in our community by hiring BIPOC individuals
- Keep programming free at You Belong Here
- Provide memberships and studio rentals to our community at little to no cost
- Help us to build business development programming that is tailored to creatives (something that is non-existent in San Diego)
Thank you for your support! As a thank you, we'll highlight your business or brand with a shout-out on our Instagram stories!
Plus, you'll get access to our exclusive
- "How To Monetize Your Creativity" a 10-page PDF, to help spark ideas and paths to the development of your business idea!
We'll give you access to our creative business STARTUP bundle of downloadable resources and more:
- 2 - Day Passes to Cowork ($40 valule)
- Establishing your Mission and Vision - Slideshow + Workbook
- Establishing a Purpose Driven Business - Slideshow + Workbook
- Define Your Ideal Customer - Workbook
Plus, we'll also give you, your business or brand a SHOUT OUT on our INSTAGRAM IG STORIES, thanking you for your generous donation!
Please be sure to provide your email address so we can send you a link to download the resources.
You'll receive the following rewards:
- Shout Out of your business or brand on our INSTAGRAM STORIES
- You'll receive our Creative Biz StartUp Bundle of downloadable PDF workbooks and instructional slideshows
- You'll get 4 Coworking Passes with up to 2 Hours of Meeting Room time (valued at $105)
This reward level gives you access to our studio of rentals plus additional perks!
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- $50 Credits in Studio credits (photo, podcast, meeting room, event rental, day passes)
- Free Add-Ons (i.e., photography lighting, Livestreaming setup, audio/mics)
Join Brianda Vargas of cOMmunity Yoga and Mindfulness and the instructor of You Belong Yoga, for self-compassion sessions. This is a new program that Brianda will be offering, and you will be amongst the first to take part in this valuable workshop.
This is the perfect gift for yourself or a friend or family member, as we make our way into a new season of growth and change.
What's included (full day session):
-
1 Hour Yoga session
-
Meditation/Reiki Healing
-
Light snack + healthy Green Juice
-
Self-Compassion Journaling Circle
-
Laser-cut journal and pen from You Belong Here
Why self compassion?
Self-Compassion can bring light to your life. Whether we are starting a new habit or struggling with a tragedy. Learning to be compassionate to yourself can bring ease to the situation. Studies have shown individuals who are more self-compassionate tend to have greater happiness, life satisfaction and motivation, better relationships and physical health, and less anxiety and depression. In these five sessions we will learn the components of self-compassion from Kristen Neff and how to incorporate it into your daily life. By integrating nourishment for your body, a self loving yoga practice, and reiki to help you release limiting beliefs you will gain a sense of wellbeing. Together we will step into the journey of self compassion with the intention to increase our awareness and self worth.
This reward level gives you access to our studio of rentals plus additional perks!
- Apolis Sustainably sourced You Belong Here tote
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- $75 in Credits (can be used towards a membership plan, an event rental, photo studio, podcast studio, meeting room, or day passes)
- We'll give you and/or your business or brand a shoutout on our social media
- Free Add-Ons for rentals (i.e., photography lighting, Livestreaming setup, audio/mics)
This reward level unlocks some powerful perks! You'll be one of the first members to get access to our digital platform where we'll host online creative business classes, workshops, networking events, PDF downloadable business resources, office hours, and so much more
- Apolis sustainable branded You Belong Here bag
- You Belong Here Laser cut Notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Digital Membership for 1 year on our YBH Digital Platform
- Exclusive invite to our Digital Launch Party
- 5 Day Passes to cowork at our physical location (valued at $75)
- Shout out and Acknowledgement on You Belong Here Instagram; we'll share your business or brand as a FOUNDING MEMBER of the digital platform with a dedicated FEED and STORIES post.
- You'll be included in our REELS video of the first look at our Digital Platform
- Exclusive access to our You Belong Here Hype Business Musical Playlist
You Belong Here is a great place to find the support and resources you need to launch your business to success! #StartHere
Our Biz Power UP Sesh reward is a professional empowerment package.
PERKS INCLUDE:
- 3 - 1 hr Business Consulting Strategy calls/in-person meetings ($375 Value): Nic will help you clarify your offering, fine-tune your pricing strategy, work with you on your Mission + Vision, and Unique Value Proposition. She'll help you understand where and how to find your customers, or strategize a storytelling marketing plan, and so much more! With over 14 years of working in the Creative Industry in design and manufacturing, Nic has been featured in magazines such as HGTV, Martha Stewart, Bon Apetit, and featured on the renown Business Rockstars Network. She licensed a line of her products to Urban Outfitters helping her to score her first major deal with a big box brand. Nic also had over 80+ boutiques (national and international) carry her line of products.
- You Belong Here laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- 5 Day Passes to cowork ($75 value)
- Shout Outs: Instagram Feed and Stories
- Use the full value contributed ($275) towards the cost of the #StartHereCreative Arts Business Fellowship, should you wish to join the incubator to further develop your small business.
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local small business owner, if desired.
At You Belong Here we believe in giving back to our community and being a space that can empower and amplify the voices and identities of our community.
We're looking for Title Sponsors who can help support the development of programming at You Belong Here.
Access to physical space, programming assistance, and equipment can be a challenge for our Creative Artists. With your help, You Belong Here can sustainably support our community of artists, leaders, and organizers.
PERKS TO INCLUDE:
- Apolis Sustainably Sourced You Belong Here Tote
- You Belong Here Laser cut notebook
- You Belong Here fancy pen
- Public Acknowledgment and Promotion
- Visibility on marketing signage (in-person, social media, and website) for 1 community event of your choice at You Belong Here
- Highlight in our newsletter
- 2 Day Passes to cowork at our physical location
For anonymous donors: benefits may be gifted to our artist community or a local community organization, if desired.