Led by the Department for Creative, Media and Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK, the Create Growth Programme supports creative sector SMEs with high growth potential, across 12 English regions outside of London. The programme offers business support, including assistance for those looking to access grant funding and investment.
The programme’s business support package is led locally by Hertfordshire LEP and aimed at SMEs within the county's booming film and TV sector, and those looking to join the sector's supply chain. Businesses are invited to register now, ahead of the programme's start date of April 2024.
Applications will be assessed by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, with all applicants gaining access to targeted 1-2-1 business support to help boost scale up and growth.
Circa 60 eligible businesses will be invited to participate in the Supply Chain Innovation Programme, with the option of receiving additional New Product Development Support and Investment Readiness Support.
This intensive 8-week programme is delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire LEP by Estu and the Royal College of Art, in association with industry influencers and Hertfordshire’s major studios. The programme supports business leaders looking to grow their presence within Hertfordshire's film and TV sector, teaching them how to innovate, increase sales and secure new commercial opportunities for their business. The programme will run in three cohorts launching in April 2024, September 2024 and January 2025.
In addition to the Supply Chain Innovation Programme, businesses have the option to access intensive 1-2-1 support from the University of Hertfordshire to help speed up their development of new high-value products or services.
Upon successful completion of the programme, if businesses require additional funding to carry out planned activity, Hertfordshire Growth Hub will assess their deal propositions and provide support to improve any weaknesses, to help them secure external investment.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub is also developing a Hertfordshire-focused Investor Network to complement and run alongside the network established by Innovate UK.