Supporting local creative businesses to unlock economic growth.
The West of England Combined Authority are one of 6 successful regions who have been awarded £1.275m from DCMS to support local creative businesses to unlock economic growth. The Create Growth Programme will build on the success of the Creative Scale Up Pilot (2019-2022) and aims to support high-growth creative businesses to scale and become investment ready through a targeted business support package.
The Create Growth Programme consists of three complementary strands:
We are looking for companies who are exploring new growth opportunities, this could include, but is not exclusive to:
This programme is not looking to support 'business as usual', but for new business activity that will lead to growth.
A £2500 grant to spend on professional sector specific expertise (mentoring, coaching and/or consultancy)
You will receive a dedicated Peer Support Programme, including a minimum of six facilitated peer group sessions.
8 monthly training sessions delivered by creative industry specialists.
Businesses should be able to demonstrate they meet two or more of the criteria below:
You must also be able to show:
Please note, businesses who have taken part in the Creative Scale Up or Creative Sector Growth programme will be eligible to apply but will be asked to demonstrate that their growth activity is different to when they previously participated in the programme.
To apply for the Create Growth Programme's second cohort starting in March 2024:
Email your application and EDI form to creative@westofengland-ca.gov.uk by the deadline, 12pm Friday 1 December.
Complete the Create Growth Programme Application form as part of your application.
Complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Survey as part of your application.
Find out more about how to apply for the Create Growth Programme.
Please note: This fund is currently closed, please sign up to the newsletter to be kept up to date as to when this re-opens.
The Combined Authority are the lead organisation in a consortium including North Somerset Council, Watershed Arts Trust, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP & Creative UK.
To find out more about the Cornwall Create Growth Programme, please click here.
The Create Growth Programme is funded by Department for Media, Sport & Culture and is led by national delivery partners Innovate UK.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact creative@westofengland-ca.gov.uk