A Social Enterprise Connecting Cultural Experiences with Women’s Creative Enterprise Development
Imajine Enspire (the words are Haitian Creole) is a social enterprise that works with public libraries, schools, galleries and museums to plan and deliver business incubator programs for African and Caribbean creatives. Women artists and artisans are our primary focus, with support built around their existing skills, cultural knowledge and business ambitions.
The Opportunity
Across Africa and the Caribbean, talented artisans create exceptional work but often lack fair access to finance, business support, professional networks and reliable markets. Libraries offer a trusted community space to change that.
Three areas of work
Cultural experiences in Canada
Curated artist-led cultural and shopping experiences for women’s social clubs, retirement homes and community groups.
Fair commercial opportunities
Paid engagements, product sales and retail partnerships for participating artists, with clear written agreements on fees and rights.
Library-based enterprise support
Revenue from our Canadian activities funds practical business development for women artisans in Africa and the Caribbean. We partner with libraries to run the business incubator programs.
Our Model
In Namibia, IE is piloting a week-long business incubator for 10–15 women artisans, hosted through a public library. Participants receive training in business planning, marketing, financial literacy and product development, learn from a master artisan, build professional networks, and take part in a library-based retail pop-up. Namibia is the first step in a model we hope to replicate through libraries in other African and Caribbean communities.
Invest in a Model, Not Just a Single Event
We are seeking partners who want to help build a sustainable model for cultural and economic development: funders, women’s social clubs, retailers, corporations, foundations and individuals who can provide venues, retail channels, mentorship, expertise, networks or market connections.
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