Guided by a mission to invest in imagination and invention, Create Birmingham strives to construct and support diverse avenues for commercial and nonprofit creative success. Through its Co.Starters program, creative entrepreneurs learn how to turn business ideas into action, and upon graduation can access grant and loan funding. The nonprofit also maintains a free community calendar, which usually highlights 30,000 public events, and a free on-line platform to help match those seeking space for an exhibition, performance, pop-up or bricks-and-mortar storefront with property owners who have available rentals. The nonprofit also engages in advocacy work to ensure Birmingham’s creative industries are recognized for both their cultural and economic impacts.