**Applications open on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 12pm**
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Who is it for?
The Foundations programme is for early stage companies (usually less than 2 years old) working in moving image for storytelling, spanning film, television, digital content, games, immersive and Createch*.
Companies should be based in England, have some track record and be ready to take their business to the next level. We encourage applications from those who are currently underrepresented in the screen industry.
*We can support applicants working in solely branded content, if the company retain the IP (Intellectual Properties) rights of the content they produce or are actively looking to move away from commercial work and form a creative arm of the business.
What is involved?
Creative Enterprise Foundations programme will deliver a series of intense workshops and 121 business coaching sessions with proven industry leaders (valued at over £5,000) over three months where companies taking part in the programme will:
- Take part in 6 intensive workshops covering all aspects of business growth for screen industries.
- Receive one to one business coaching throughout the programme where you can take your learnings from the workshops and practically apply the knowledge learnt to your business.
- Create and complete a comprehensive plan to grow your businesses
- Get expert advice on business planning, funding, and finance, taking their businesses to market.
- Decision making and how to structure teams and hire the right talent
- Gain a greater understanding of revenue models and IP monetisation
- Learn directly from and build their network with proven industry leaders
- Have an expansive network of peers from your industry for support and encouragement
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Any questions? Email our Creative Enterprise team.
Not sure if this programme is for you? Book a discovery call with a member of our team.
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**Applications open on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 12pm**
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Meet The Team
Eligibility
The Foundations programme is only available to screen businesses registered in England working in or with narrative storytelling for public consumption (this means we are unfortunately able to support companies working solely in puzzle style games, or educational content for example)
You will need to show that your business has the potential and ambition to grow. To be considered for the programme, companies must:
- Be a founder (or co-founder) of a screen based narrative business working in storytelling for the moving image (this can include film/TV, games, immersive, createch)
- Be based in England
- Have some track record in the industry (produced film shorts, or developed a prototype for example)
- Be committed to the long-term development of your company
Deadline for Applications is Monday 23rd March 2026 at 5pm.
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Application Process
We want the process to feel thoughtful and two-way. Each stage helps us understand your business, and helps you decide whether the programme is the right fit.
- SubmitYour Application – Complete the online short application form. We ask the basic information about your business and what your ambitions are as a founder. We also collect data for monitoring purposes. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.
- Invitation to Founder Fit Interview-The applications are then reviewed by the Creative Enterprise team – if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to our Founder Fit Interview. We aim to get back to you within 28 calendar days.
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What is Founder Fit Interview?
This is a conversation to explore whether the programme is the right fit for you and your business at this stage. It’s not a traditional interview but more of a two-way discussion to assess where you’re at as a founder and where you see your business going.
For Foundations, this conversation will take approximately 30 minutes with two of our programme managers. You’ll send the questions and topic for discussion in advance.
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- SecondConversation -In some cases, we may invite you to a short follow-up conversation. This allows us to clarify specific areas of your application and ensure the cohort mix is right for everyone involved. We aim to have this conversation within one week of the Founder Fit Interview
- Final Decision – All applicants will be notified of the outcome.
Successful applicants will receive a formal invitation to join the cohort, programme dates and commitment expectations as well as onboarding details
If you’re not selected this time, we’ll aim to provide brief feedback and may suggest alternative support where relevant.
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Programme delivery schedule
Delivery of the programme will begin late April 2026 until July 2026. Exact dates will be given when the final cohort is selected. There will be 2 full day in person workshops, and 4 half day online workshops, in additional to 3 one to one mentoring sessions with an industry leader.
In person sessions will be decided once we know where the cohort is based and will be a central location in England. Subsistence contribution applications are available to help those who need it for travel to access in person sessions. These funds are limited and are at the discretion of Creative Enterprise.
Participants will take part in:
- 6 x intensive workshops
- 3 x one-to-one coaching sessions
The workshops are intended to give you an overview of the subject matter in question. You will hear from industry experts as well as other company founders in the cohort, learning from their experiences.
The 1-2-1 coaching assists you to take your skills and knowledge to the next level and aimed to empower and support you to apply the right thinking and models for your business growth.
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Fee
There is a participation fee of £150 + VAT per company.
Creative Enterprise programmes are heavily subsidised by the BFI, overall, the workshops, support and 121 mentoring you will receive is valued at £5,000 per company. If you feel that the participation fee will be a substantial barrier to you being on the programme, please let the Creative Enterprise team know at creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk to discuss options. We also have a bursary available to contribute towards travel and/or accommodation for in person sessions if needed.
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Any questions? Email our Creative Enterprise team.
Not sure if this programme is for you? Book a discovery call with a member of our team.
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**Applications open on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 12pm**
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Sign Up to Our Newsletter to be kept up to date with business support opportunities, exclusive events and training and access to industry-leading expertise.
Should you have any access or communication requirements relating to our applications and guidance, then please contact the team at creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk or 0333 023 5240. Subsistence contributions are available to assist with the costs of travel and accessibility of the programme. Funds are limited and at the discretion of Creative England.
If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements prior to applying, please get in touch with Creative Enterprise Team at creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk.
