Creative Enterprise Unveils the Investment Readiness 2024 Cohort
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Creative UK is now delivering six of 12 Create Growth Programmes across the UK.
Today, Thursday 8 February 2024, Creative UK is pleased to announce a new partnership with Mayor Tracy Brabin and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in the delivery of the West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme.
As part of the partnership, Creative UK will be supporting 40 local businesses with investment readiness training, with a view to helping companies secure commercial investment and apply for additional funding from Innovate UK.
Support will include 1-2-1 mentoring from investment and creative industry experts, specialist cohort workshops and opportunities to meet and pitch to local and national investors.
Creative businesses working across the cultural and creative industries and encouraged to apply, with a particular focus on: Convergent Screen Technologies; TV and Film; Gaming, and Music and Fashion/Textiles.
The partnership is part of a £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ package being rolled out by the Mayor of West Yorkshire to provide skills and business support for the region’s creative industries.
Of the 12 regions in total now participating in the Create Growth Funding, Creative UK is delighted to be delivering business support in six, including the North East, Cornwall, the South East, Devon, the West Midlands and now West Yorkshire.
Caroline Norbury, CEO of Creative UK, said: “We know that across the UK, the Creative Industries are a vital engine for economic growth. Real, transformative growth comes when businesses are supported not just financially – but also with talent development, industry connections and expert advice on navigating and unlocking the investment landscape before them.
“Creative UK is well placed to deliver that support. Not only do we have a deep understanding of the unique structures of creative businesses, but we are investors ourselves. Our team have the knowledge and passion to really support businesses in West Yorkshire to unlock their potential, and we’re delighted to be working on this programme with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority – as well as with five other partners across the UK.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:
“We’re providing support and investment through these innovative programmes to make sure West Yorkshire’s creative industries thrive for years to come.
“The sector is booming, and I want businesses, freelancers, venues and everyone in our local communities to benefit.
“Culture drives growth, and it’s helping us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
To find out more, businesses based in West Yorkshire are invited to fill in a short Expression of Interest form, or to attend a drop in session or webinar. Eligible businesses will then be invited to make a full application. To sign up to hear more, visit the Creative UK website: www.wearecreative.uk/support/regional-growth-programmes/west-yorkshire-create-growth-programme/.
Creative UK is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 14th February 12:00-13:00 to give interested applicants an opportunity to hear more about the programme and how to apply – register to attend here.
