SOHARLEM INC
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to drive equitable economic development and foster a thriving cultural workforce in Harlem's creative sector. As a place based Cultural Industries Incubator, we address racial inequities and ensure a vibrant future for our community. We achieve this through ongoing partnerships with creative individuals, public agencies, and private organizations, offering a wide range of services to our neighbors. SoHarlem envisions a transformed Manhattanville Factory District, bustling with creative micro-businesses that provide sustainable livelihoods for local residents. At the heart of our vision is the belief that integrating arts, community, and economic development can champion racial and social equity, recognizing and celebrating everyone's value. We foresee a future where creativity is a primary catalyst for both economic prosperity and social progress.
About This Cause
Economic development in West Harlem, intensified by gentrification and the expansion of Columbia University, has largely by passed communities of color, particularly women. Founded in 2011, by women as a place based social enterprise, SoHarlem draws heavily on local history, culture, economics, environment and circumstance to inform its policies, practices, and programs. SoHarlem serves as a Cultural Industries Incubator with the explicit goal of connecting creative entrepreneurs, master artisans, and apprentices to their community in ways that promote citizenship, entrepreneurship, employment, community sustainability, and environmental stewardship. For members our Creative Entrepreneurs and Members, knowing a functioning Studio will be there for them is critical, both in terms of managing the day-to-day operations of their various business models, and having the confidence to plan for the future. It’s the same for the hundreds of local residents who visit the Studio annually, some for formal classes and others impromptu and unscheduled, but in need of information and guidance we are always prepared to provide to them. Since 2015, SoHarlem’s Creative Economy Training Institute has trained over 200 individuals, with more than 50% placed on a career track. Of these, 10% were employed at SoHarlem, and others pursued higher education. The organization has also served over 75 creative entrepreneurs, with nearly 50% developing micro-enterprises. Annually, SoHarlem provides between $10,000 and $20,000 in subsidies to small businesses for highly crafted product samples to help them launch their enterprises or secure loans. SoHarlem programs and services create a powerful ecosystem that supports our creative entrepreneurs. They demonstrate a commitment to both artistic expression and economic development within the Harlem community and beyond. Our programs and services position SoHarlem as a key resource for the fashion industry in the area. • Incubate Creative Entrepreneurs: Provides crucial space for fostering growth and innovation and opportunities to turn creative ideas into viable businesses. • Designer's Hub Membership Program: A subscription-based workspace and resource hub for designers which provides the tools and environment needed to collaborate, network, and grow creative enterprises. • Creative Economy Training Institute: Conceived and developed during the pandemic, the Institute reflects our history as a cultural industries incubator, with training initially offered to assure our entrepreneurs the workforce required to build their neighborhood-based businesses. Equally important it addresses the needs of disenfranchised populations. The Institute is grounded in the value of “hands-on learning” as key to career readiness and an individual’s capacity to advance in the workplace. This year in partnership with Dapper Dan we are piloting The Dream Connection for Young Entrepreneurs. • Custom Design & ReCouture Services: includes made to measure; tailoring; repurposing and up cycling garments and textiles; sample production, patter making, small production runs; and design advise. • Made in Harlem On-Line Shopping: This online platform extends the reach of our creative entrepreneurs by providing a convenient way for customers to support local designers and access unique, products. This also helps build brand awareness and creates economic opportunities.