FOR Jamaica’s creatives, talent may open the door, but understanding money can help turn that talent into a sustainable career and business.

That was the focus of a recent financial literacy initiative by the Barita Foundation, which partnered with Yaadbridge Entertainment to provide creatives with practical financial knowledge to help them better manage their income, plan for growth, and access capital.

Held on August 7, the session introduced participants to personal financial management, budgeting, investing, and accessing financing for their enterprises, while encouraging them to think more deliberately about the business side of their craft.

A release from the foundation said the initiative reflects its broader focus on financial literacy and entrepreneurship and recognises the importance of equipping entrepreneurs in Jamaica’s creative sector with the knowledge and tools to build more financially sustainable businesses.

“Creatives are entrepreneurs, even though they may not always think of themselves that way,” noted Barita Foundation Executive Director Tanketa Chance–Wilson. “Their talent is their product, but building a sustainable career also requires an understanding of how to manage money, plan for periods when income may fluctuate and make sound financial decisions.”

Unlike traditional salaried employment, income in the creative sector can often be irregular. Writers, actors, musicians, producers, designers, photographers, performers, and other creative professionals may move between projects while simultaneously investing in equipment, production, marketing, and the development of their businesses, the release said.

This makes financial planning particularly important.

During the session, participants were encouraged to consider how budgeting, better management of personal finances, and financial planning can help them navigate fluctuating income while preparing for future opportunities. The training also addressed access to capital.

“For many entrepreneurs, having a great idea or talent is only the beginning,” the executive director explained. “They also need to understand what is required to access financing and how to position themselves and their businesses to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.”

The collaboration with Yaadbridge Entertainment enabled the foundation to deliver financial education directly to members of the creative community and present it in the context of the realities they face.

CEO of Yaadbridge Entertainment, Sherando Ferril, said the partnership was particularly important because creatives increasingly need to understand both the artistic and commercial sides of their careers.

“For creatives, talent is only one part of building a successful career. Understanding how to manage money, plan for growth, and access capital is just as important. Our partnership with the Barita Foundation gave participants practical financial knowledge that can help them approach their craft not only with passion, but with a stronger business mindset,” Ferril said.

Participants were also encouraged to look differently at the way they manage their creative enterprises and to recognise that seemingly simple financial practices can have a significant impact on their ability to grow.

Actress Dina-Gail McCalla, a participant, reflected on the practical value of the session, saying: “As creatives, we spend so much time thinking about the work itself that sometimes we don’t pay enough attention to the business behind it. The session made me think differently about budgeting, separating my personal and business expenses and planning ahead instead of just managing from one project to the next.”

For Barita Foundation, that shift in thinking is an important measure of the programme’s success.

The release said the intended impact goes beyond attendance at a single training session. The foundation wants participants to put what they have learnt into practice.

Over time, the practical changes can help creatives build stronger financial habits, improve the financial readiness of their enterprises, and make more informed decisions about investing in and growing their businesses.

“Financial literacy should not be limited to people working in traditional businesses or corporate environments,” Chance-Wilson said. “Whether you are a musician, producer, writer, actor, designer, photographer, performer, or another type of creative entrepreneur, understanding your finances is an important part of building something that can last.”

The foundation also sees partnerships with organisations such as Yaadbridge Entertainment as an opportunity to make financial education more accessible and relevant by taking it directly to communities and groups that can benefit from practical financial knowledge.

The release said, ultimately, the message is straightforward: Creatives should invest in the business behind their talent as deliberately as they invest in developing their craft.

“Creativity can open tremendous doors, but financial knowledge can help creatives make the most of those opportunities,” the executive director added. “Our aim is to empower them not only to hone their craft, but to build a secure financial position and create sustainable businesses from their talent.”

Through initiatives such as the partnership, the foundation said it continues to advance financial literacy as a practical tool for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, helping Jamaica’s creatives develop not only their talent, but the financial foundation needed to turn opportunity into sustainable success.

The partnership also extends to supporting Yaadbridge Entertainment’s monthly Unscripted series, which provides a platform for creatives to share experiences, explore issues affecting the industry, and engage in meaningful conversations about building sustainable careers. Through its support of the series the foundation is helping to create ongoing opportunities for learning, dialogue, and development within Jamaica’s creative community.