North East Create Growth Programme
The North East Create Growth Programme is a fully funded programme to support creative businesses in the North East to develop the skills to secure investment and grow their companies. It is tailored to the needs of different creative disciplines, their respective markets, governance and distribution models.
Highlights
Data was self-reported by participating businesses in March 2025.
Highlights
Data was self-reported by participating businesses in March 2025.
businesses supported on the programme
%+
actively applying for investment as of March 2025.
%
of companies were successful in getting the investment they applied for during the programme
£
million
of investment received from businesses whilst on the programme
%+
said their confidence as a business owner increased as a result of the programme
%
said their knowledge of investment increased
Stories from the programme:
"As a newbie to running a business, the start-to-end process has been really useful. Alongside the one-to-one mentorship, I’ve developed my business plan, learned how to pitch my business, and prepared myself for investment."
- Meg Fletcher
"Feel so much more confident after the coaching. I can do things now I wouldn't have been able to do before the programme.”
- Tull Stories
“I can’t tell you what a difference being part of this organisation is making to the journey of developing Bamboo Media Productions Ltd. Bit-by-bit, with every talk, zoom, programme, workshop, and mentor session we’re getting fitter and fitter as a business."
- Bamboo Media
“My mentor has been such a good match for me. The relationship has really worked and I've learnt so much. [They have] really helped with business planning and I feel I've really moved forward because of this.”
- Changing Relations
"Being part of the Creative UK Growth Programme has been invaluable, helping us make the most of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award we received. It definitely helps when everyone involved is such great craic, but with a bunch of North East creatives, what else would you expect?!”
- Ghostwriter / Giglab
“I think the programme has been brilliant. I'm excited for future cohorts to benefit from it. I've been surprised by how much support I've received from everyone."
- Infinity 27
The North East Create Growth Programme is funded by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport and delivered in partnership with the North East Combined Authority.
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Programme feedback
Infinity 27
Cohort 1
“I think the programme has been brilliant. I'm excited for future cohorts to benefit from it. I've been surprised by how much support I've received from everyone."
Candle and Bell
Cohort 1
“The programme has definitely increased my knowledge. Definitely happy I was accepted onto it.”
Tull Stories
Cohort 2
“Feel so much more confident after the coaching. I can do things now I wouldn't have been able to do before the programme.”
Ghostwriter / Giglab
Cohort ?
“At Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, we’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of some fantastic organisations in the North East while developing Gig Lab. Being part of the Creative UK Growth Programme has been invaluable, helping us make the most of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award we received. It definitely helps when everyone involved is such great craic, but with a bunch of North East creatives, what else would you expect?!”
Bamboo Media
Cohort 2
“I've really enjoyed the programme and got so much out of it. I think the CUK team have been really great, very quick to answer any questions I had.”
Changing Relations
Cohort 2
“My mentor has been such a good match for me. The relationship has really worked and I've learnt so much. [They have] really helped with business planning and I feel I've really moved forward because of this.”
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