Issue details

The Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund process resulted in a funding allocation for a business support programme for creative industries/businesses, following on from the successful Creative Scale-Up programme and match funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) (£500k recovery funding and £300k DCMS). The Creative Sector Growth Programme was designed through extensive engagement with the sector and the Creative Advisory Board.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with the Combined Authority’s delivery partner, Watershed, who will lead on peer support and training. The Combined Authority will manage the mentoring grants for businesses on the programme. 100 businesses will receive a grant of up to £3,000 for mentoring, coaching or consultancy which will be paid out on evidence of incurred costs. 20 businesses that demonstrate they are ready to scale up, and are looking to seek investment, will receive £6,000 for mentoring, coaching or consultancy. The programme will be delivered over two rounds.

Proposals for recommended awards for Round 1 were prepared, with engagement from West of England unitary authority economic development and business/skills lead officers. The proposals were also the subject of consultation with the Chief Executives of the West of England unitary authorities.