Creative Enterprise lab
With (CEL Creative Enterprise Lab) program , CD as a network, is building a nimble entrepreneurship development program accessible across India through its partners and members that addresses key areas like digital marketing, design, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, value addition and infrastructure.
Impact So Far
250+
4000+
80+
CEL was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns severely disrupted traditional sales channels and left artisan communities in economic distress. Young artisans began exploring digital platforms out of necessity, and it became clear that there was a strong appetite for entrepreneurship but a lack of structured support.
Creative Dignity responded by creating basic digital tools and mentorship systems to help artisans document products, create catalogs, and engage with online buyers. These early experiments quickly revealed a deeper need for long-term enterprise support and CEL was formed to fill that gap.
How is it moving forward?
Since its inception, CEL has grown into a year long program supporting artisan entrepreneurs across India offering hands-on mentorship, digital and business training, designer collaborations, and market linkage support.
Objectives of CEL
Reach artisan entrepreneurs
in textile and non-textile handmade sectors who seek new skills to grow their enterprises.
Skill artisan entrepreneurs
in design, business, digital tools, and production techniques for better efficiency and enterprise scaling.
Develop a structured and replicable methodology
for enterprise development accessible across India
Strengthen non-farm livelihood opportunities
in rural areas to ensure year-round employment beyond seasonal farming.
Enhance traditional skills and knowledge
by integrating appropriate new technologies and tools
Create sustainable and meaningful market access,
both physical and digital, for artisan entrepreneurs
Increase the perceived value of handmade products
through improved design, quality, and storytelling, leading to higher incomes over time
Develop and share open-source resources,
modules, and methodologies that can be adopted and adapted across the handmade sector.
What our participants are saying
I never thought anybody will ever pay so much for my paintings
Earlier, we believed that our own craft was all there was. But after becoming part of the Creative Dignity program and meeting so many weavers from across the country, we realised how many diverse techniques exist across India—and how much there is to learn from one another.
Designs developed under the program
Creative Enterprise Lab Sub Group
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