www.CreateHere.org

I began working at CreateHere in mid-August of 2008, and to be honest, when I took the job I had no idea what they really do. I tried to do some research before my interview and I got the general impression that they were a non-profit trying to get creative people to come and live in Chattanooga.

So six months later I still think that CreateHere is a non-profit trying to get creative people to come to Chattanooga, but now I know what that actually means.

The official mission statement:

CreateHere is. . . re-energizing Chattanooga’s efforts to become a more dynamic city. We put creative capital to work in the revitalization of Chattanooga through programs that:

• Support the professional growth of artists & artisans

• Build the capacity of entrepreneurs to develop sustainable ventures

• Enable the development of visionary ideas for the community’s future

• Showcase local artistic achievements, entrepreneurial successes, & visionary
  ideas; and create platforms for social action based on them

So that sounds awesome right? So what does that mean to the average Chattanoogan? It means that we’re a resource, a network of support for you. Whether your interested in opening your own business, learning more about how to improve the business you’ve already established, or if your an artist looking for grants and opportunities to show your work or if your looking to get involved in improving your community and need help, that’s what we’re here for.

So CreateHere doesn’t really fit into a nice little box, because it is always growing and adapting to the needs of Chattanooga.