NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
The ideal candidate currently operates a business, is interesting in addressing a business challenge, and has a growth mindset.
What is Creative Problem Solving?
CPS is a proven method for approaching a problem or a challenge in an imaginative and innovative way. It helps you redefine the problems and opportunities you face, come up with new, innovative responses and solutions, and then take action. Learn more about CPS.
What does this Fellowship include?
Creative Leadership Fellows will participate in CEF’s signature Creative Problem Solving (CPS) for Business Leaders training. This training starts with an introductory virtual session in CPS, as well as FourSight Assessments. FourSight is a psychometric assessment based on the science of CPS that provides insight into personal and team dynamics, strengths, and challenges.
Fellows then participate in a day-long CPS intensive in November with CEF Trainers. During this session, Fellows will learn the CPS process and will also explore applications to their business challenges. After the in-person training, participants will have on-going virtual and asynchronous training support in the form of workshops, office hours, and training videos. At the conclusion of the program, Fellows will execute an implementation plan for a particular business challenge or opportunity they face. This Fellowship includes a $1,000 stipend that will be distributed upon program completion.
Virtual Info Session
August 21 at 7 PM via Zoom. Registration required.
Why Participate in Creative Leadership CPS Training?
- Empowerment through Creative Leadership: CPS training empowers individuals to become agents of change. By equipping participants with CPS skills, Fellows can address complex challenges and drive meaningful impact for their businesses and in their neighborhoods.
- Strategic Partnerships for Growth: We emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships as a catalyst for growth and sustainability. Establishing strategic alliances can unlock access to resources and networks, and broaden opportunities leading to better business outcomes. Our program provides tools and guidance for forming and leveraging these alliances effectively.
- Building Trust and Engagement: Our programming aims to offer support, resources, and opportunities for growth. By fostering a safe and brave culture of collaboration, we strive to create an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to drive change.. We acknowledge that for many, no space can ever truly be safe, but we pledge to foster and request that all participants assist in creating a brave space, which means we assume positive intent and welcome candor and correction.
- Long-Term Impact: CPS training is not a one-off event but a journey towards continuous learning and growth. Our approach includes both synchronous and asynchronous programming to ensure accessibility and flexibility. By providing ongoing support and resources, we cultivate a community of empowered leaders who are equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Who are Creative Leadership Fellows?
Creative Leadership Fellows are community-conscious small business owners or entrepreneurs from Hartford or doing business in Hartford. They are nominated by small business-serving or entrepreneurship-serving organizations (SBBO/ESOs), and they fulfill the following characteristics and criteria:
- Have an established business that is currently making sales and doing business.
- Are committed to the Hartford community, exhibited by business location, active participation in Hartford business groups, nonprofit organizations, or other community organizations and activities;
- Have exhibited acumen in or appreciation for creative problem solving or creative leadership;
- Are committed, have a growth mindset, and have a desire for both personal and community success.
- Are ready to work alongside other businesses to develop a community of support.
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Schedule of Fellows Activities
August
- Application Opens/Nomination process begins.
- Fellowship application review begins on a rolling basis.
- Selected Fellows announced/notified.
September
- Virtual meeting with CEF trainers and Fellows to answer questions and to introduce Creative Problem Solving.
- Asynchronous learning assignments begin.
- Fellows complete FourSight online assessments
October
- Asynchronous learning focused on individual business challenges or opportunities.
November
- In-Person CPS workshop, 6 hours. Location and time TBA.
December
- Asynchronous learning.
- Coaching sessions.
If you have any questions, please contact Beth Miller at bmiller@creativeeducationfoundation.org or (508) 960-0000, ext. 2