Creative businesses and business leaders are being urged not to miss out on free support to accelerate their growth and win investment though a programme launching very soon in Peterborough.
The Create Growth Programme will give creative businesses a tailored and free package of advice, mentoring and industry introductions to help unlock new opportunities to grow.
The 12-week programme, run by Creative East, offers specialist seminars, round table events, pitching sessions, networking events and one-to-one support from experts and specialists. The course will be a mix of in-person and online sessions. The in-person learning takes place at the new ARU Peterborough campus and runs from February to May 2024.
To qualify businesses must:
- Be revenue generating (not a start-up).
- Employ (directly or as freelancers) at least two full time equivalent staff.
- Fall within the Department for Culture Media and Sport definition of Creative Industries (film, tv, radio, photography, advertising, marketing, architecture, computer games, IT, software, publishing, music performing and visual arts).
Businesses have until December 22 to get in a quick and easy expression of interest form. The full application needs to be submitted by January 12.
You can find details about the Peterborough programme here. Make sure to submit your Expression Of Interest form before the deadline on 22 December 2023, and finish your application before 12 January 2024.
Josh Trett, programme participant and founder of Trett Films, said: “Creative East helped us realise that the things we wanted to achieve were actually realistic and gave us the confidence to know that our goals weren’t out of our reach. But it also gave us the knowledge through the mentors and the different workshops to take that next step.
“My favourite thing about the programme was the access to the mentors - professionals working in the industry that we’re trying to succeed in. But, also, there’s a social element; every week you get to meet with the same people and get to know the characters behind these businesses.”
Al Kingsley, chair of the Combined Authority Business Board said: “The creative industry makes a big contribution our local economy, and this tailored and free package of support is all about helping the sector to grow. I would encourage any creative business to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
There is also a Cambridge cohort with details here. Submit Expression Of Interest form before the deadline on 21 June 2024, and finish your application before 5 July 2024.
Find more information at: https://www.creativeeast.org.uk/
