The Create Growth Programme is back

Following a successful first iteration which saw creative businesses from across England grow their businesses and confidence, leading to increased investment, the Create Growth Programme is back. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the programme is being delivered by Creative UK in six of the eligible regions. Applications are open now.

West Midlands

The West Midlands Create Growth Programme first launched last year, supporting 50 creative businesses. It is delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central.

“I definitely feel better equipped. We’re coming out of this scheme feeling ready to begin connecting meaningfully with investors and are actively looking for opportunity to build on the relationship.” Robyn Winfield-Smith, Liminal Stage Productions

Learn more about the West Midlands Create Growth Programme.

West Yorkshire

The West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme first launched last year, supporting 41 creative businesses. It is delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“The Create Growth Programme has really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I am often squirrelled away working in the business and not on the business; the programme has pulled me out and put me in front of people… I’ve been pitching, which is certainly not something I would have been doing without the programme.” Samson Athletic

Learn more about the West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme.

Cornwall

The Cornwall Create Growth Programme first launched in February 2023, and has gone on to support 61 creative businesses. It is delivered in partnership with Cornwall Council, Screen Cornwall and Falmouth University.

“The opportunity to gain mentoring one-to-one with industry specialists alongside learning from the experiences of your peers who all run growing businesses is amazing. The team who run this on the ground could not be more helpful and positive. Every business owner should do this!” Henry Garfit, Founder

Learn more about the Cornwall Create Growth Programme.

Devon

The Devon Create Growth Programme first launched last year, supporting 54 creative businesses. It is delivered in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, Torbay Council, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Exeter University, University of Plymouth, Plymouth Culture and Real Ideas Organisation.

“The Create Growth programme has been a real positive force for our business. We have learned a lot about ourselves as a business that without the programme we just would never have realised. It has opened our eyes to new possibilities and given us the confidence to strive out in new directions.” Dan Willers, Yellow Mouse

Learn more about the Devon Create Growth Programme.

North East

The North East Create Growth Programme has supported 101 creative businesses over 18 months. It is delivered in partnership with the North East Combined Authority.

“For me the Create Growth Programme has been an absolute godsend […] I think the grounding and the footing that I’ve got here will allow me to approach funders, investors, people with the knowledge and the power to help me grow my business to the next step, and that’s kind of really why I wanted to be on this programme.” Solomon Agginie, Baesha

Learn more about the North East Create Growth Programme.