Investing in Creativity: The Creative Entrepreneurs Shaping Wheeling

In 2023, Emily Rouse was honored to be accepted into the Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE) alongside a cohort of creative entrepreneurs from Wheeling, West Virginia. Launched by Bridgeway Capital, ACRE was designed to support rural creative businesses by providing entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and connections needed to build stronger foundations for long-term success.

Throughout the year-long program, participants engaged in specialized workshops, peer discussions, and one-on-one coaching sessions with industry experts in areas including marketing, finance, legal strategy, human resources, and business operations. The experience provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of growing a creative business while building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs in the region.

For Edgington Studio, the program helped strengthen internal systems, clarify future goals, and create a stronger foundation for continued growth. Emily is grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside other passionate business owners and looks forward to applying these lessons as Edgington Studio continues expanding its impact through sewing education and apparel manufacturing. Click the button below to learn more about ACRE and the participating entrepreneurs.