Inaugural Creative Entrepreneurship Social Innovation Conference

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) continues to lead in arts-driven innovation through its Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE). As it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2026, MICA is expanding its influence by launching the inaugural Creative Entrepreneurship Social Innovation (CESI) Conference & Expo, taking place October 10–11, 2025. This event will bring together national and international participants—from scholars to practitioners—to share research, grow interest in creative entrepreneurship, and catalyze new connections across sectors.

The conference will also mark the launch of the CESI Hub, a technology platform designed to streamline access to resources, and connect providers of creative services—artists, designers, and musicians—with business opportunities, events, and support. It will also serve as a directory for organizations seeking commissioned creative work, accelerating the flow of talent and opportunity.

The Ratcliffe Center—which equips MICA students with skills, mentorship, and infrastructure to launch sustainable, mission-driven creative businesses—is part of a larger innovation ecosystem at MICA— one that is articulated in MICA’s Academic Vision for the Next Century.  The Academic Vision is a blueprint for MICA’s next generation of teaching and learning, providing a holistic framework for students to learn, grow, and build through real-world experiences that connect them to businesses within the local, regional, and national, and creative economy.   From workshops to advanced accelerators, MICA fosters an environment where creative ambition meets real-world impact.

This commitment was exemplified in April 2025 with the tenth annual UP/Start Venture Competition. A flagship initiative, UP/Start supports early-stage creative ventures through a five-month accelerator with mentorship, prototyping funds, and industry access. The competition awarded 105,000 USD in seed funding to standout ventures.

The top prize of 40,000 USD went to A Visual Guide to Songwriting by Samantha Frost (Graphic Design MFA ’25), while Hugo Hogendoorn (Game Design BFA ’25) earned 30,000 USD and the 5,000 USD People’s Choice Award for Unfated Studios. Deanna Susser (MA/MBA Design Leadership ’25), was awarded 20,000 USD for flowgenius, and KUNAYA by Faridat Ilupeju (MA/MBA Design Leadership ’25), received 10,000 USD. Visit here to see all the finalists.

These ventures will continue their development at MICA’s Creative Entrepreneurship Innovation Lab (CEINNOV), located in the Baltimore Innovation Center. CEINNOV offers students and alumni a launchpad to transition from classroom ideas to income-generating ventures in a market-ready environment.

“Every year, we see our students build thoughtful, impactful businesses that address pressing issues,” said MICA President Cecilia McCormick, underscoring the school’s commitment to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

This ecosystem—from the CESI Conference and CESI Hub to UP/Start and CEINNOV—is made possible through the visionary support of the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, which expands access to entrepreneurial education and strengthens local economies through creative business growth.

As MICA approaches its bicentennial, it is not only celebrating its legacy in art and design—it is redefining what creative careers can look like in the 21st century.

About Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation
Philip and Carole Ratcliffe created the Foundation in 2003 with a vision to provide access to education & training for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow their ventures, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities in local communities.

About MICA
Acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artist—one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design, and media.

MICA is redefining the role of the artists and designers as creative, solutions-oriented makers, and thinkers who will drive social, cultural, and economic advancement for our future.

As the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation, MICA is located in Baltimore, deeply connected to the community. It is a leading contributor to the creative economy regionally and a top producer of nationally and internationally recognized professional artists and designers.