What is the Devon Create Growth Programme?

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and delivered by Creative UK 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 designed to support creative businesses to explore and secure commercial investment opportunities. Selected businesses gain access to a programme of activity including tailored workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and opportunities to connect with investors.  

The first iteration of the programme, which ran from February 2023 to March 2025, saw 61 creative businesses benefit from one-to-one mentor support, access to tailored workshops, and critical introductions to investors through pitch and dine events and larger-scale summits. 

The first iteration of the programme, which ran from January 2024 to March 2025, saw 54 creative businesses benefit from one-to-one mentor support, access to tailored workshops, and critical introductions to investors through pitch and dine events and larger-scale summits.   

Businesses from the first cohort have seen a turnover increase of £11,601,139 since being on the programme, created over 57 staff positions, and received £841,717 of grant investment. 

In February 2025, Creative UK hosted the Big Creative UK Summit: Investment in Cornwall & Devon, a celebration of the Create Growth Programme and a showcase of the region’s Creative Industries. The day saw 19 of businesses exhibiting, alongside 5 businesses who pitched to an audience of investors, industry leaders, partners, and members of creative networks.