Name: Poetic Entrepreneurship for the Poets
Start: 2026-04-01T18:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-04-01T20:30:00-07:00
Location: Roseville Venture Lab

Poetic Entrepreneurship for Poets
Hosted by Poets Andru Defeye (Former Sacramento Poet Laureate) and Russell Cummings

Poetry Night is more than just an evening of inspiring words—it’s a platform to elevate emerging poets and cultivate a thriving local literary scene. Our program intertwines creativity with essential entrepreneurial skills, equipping poets with the tools they need to amplify their voices, build their personal brand, and achieve lasting success. By offering mentorship and networking opportunities with established poets, we aim to create a nurturing environment where poetic talent flourishes.
Workshops & Branding Sessions:
Offer workshops centered on personal branding, self-promotion, and social media strategies tailored for poets.
Teach participants how to develop a compelling online presence, submit to journals, and pitch for readings and events.
Performance Opportunities:
Host open mic segments during each Poetry Night, providing emerging poets with stage time in front of an engaged audience.
Record readings and offer constructive feedback to help poets hone their craft and delivery.
Mentorship & Networking:
Pair emerging poets with established writers and performers for individualized mentorship.
Facilitate Q&A panels where veteran poets share insights on the poetry business, from publishing to event organizing and financial sustainability.
Community Engagement:
Foster an inclusive and welcoming space where community members celebrate the spoken and written word while uplifting local talent.
Showcase diverse voices to reflect the cultural richness of the community.
Monetization Strategies:
Guide poets in exploring income streams such as book sales, commissioned work, workshops, and digital publishing.
Offer coaching on negotiating contracts, applying for grants, and navigating opportunities in the literary world.