“All Artists are entrepreneurs. All entrepreneurs are artists. ~ Seth Godin”

Since we launched the Kenosha Creative Space a few years ago, it has been one of our goals to connect creatives and artists with community resources to become more successful. During this time, we have learned that launching a project, organization, or converting your creative expression into a business, it is not easy. It takes time to learn everything that needs to happen in order to succeed. It takes time to find your path.

It really is not easy: “According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by Fundera, approximately 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of the second year, 30 percent of businesses will have failed. By the end of the fifth year, about half will have failed. And by the end of the decade, only 30 percent of businesses will remain — a 70 percent failure rate.” – Entrepreneur Magazine.

It has to be a way to increase those odds.

I met Jeff Shinabarger at a “Inspire” conference, he came to Kenosha to talk about his book “Less or More” after his presentation, he was waiting for his taxi to take him back to the airport. I went to thank him for a great presentation, and at that serendipity encounter I learned about the Plywood Process and The Plywood Path.

After learning more about his organization and these programs, we believe that it would be important for the Creative Space to implement a similar program to help local creatives increase their chances of success.

The Plywood Path

“Path is an interactive six-week online course designed to help problem solvers, creatives and social entrepreneurs decide which direction to take with their idea. This course gives you insight on the “who, why and how” upon which you will build the foundation of your organization.

Local resources to help you start and run a business or organization exist in Kenosha, but what, in my view, is missing is a program that prepares you to polish your idea, prepare you for what to expect, not only in a professional way, but also in a personal way.

Past participants in this program have a higher rate of success, they find their “Path” faster and are better prepared to deal with the uncertainties of running a business.

I invite you This Monday, October 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to come listen to Jeff Shinabarger, Founder and Executive Director of The Plywood People. Jeff will be in Kenosha to help us launch this program in partnership with the Kenosha Creative Space, and support from the Madison Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Written by Francisco Loyola, Executive Director, Kenosha Creative Space