Register for this scheme
The Foundations program combines expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentoring, offering participants practical tools, industry insights, and personalised guidance to help them build a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success.
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, 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.
*Creative UK 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.
Creative UK are aiming for a balanced regional representation across England with at least 80% of businesses coming from the regions outside of London.
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
Eligibility
The Foundations programme is only available to screen businesses registered in England working in or with narrative storytelling for public consumption (this means Creative UK 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
Fees
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. Creative UK also have a bursary available to contribute towards travel and/or accommodation for in person sessions if needed.
Applications
Applications are now open. Apply here.
Deadline for Applications is Friday 13 January 2025 at 5pm..