WhenSheeCreates - Journey Through the Create Growth Programme

Background 

Based in Broxbourne and established in 2021, WhenSheeCreates is a production company specialising in film, television, and event content. With a strong creative vision and a growing portfolio, the business was ready to expand its commercial footprint. However, it faced structural challenges common to many growth-stage enterprises, particularly around investment readiness, strategic planning, and navigating the complexities of project-based revenue models.

The Growth Challenge

As founder, Sheena Tenkoreng looked to scale, she recognised that sector expertise alone wouldn’t be enough. She needed to strengthen her understanding of business finance, refine her commercial offering, and build the confidence to engage with potential investors and partners. The business was dynamic, with multiple service strands and evolving project scopes, making it difficult to fit traditional investment models.

The Create Growth Programme

Sheena’s journey began with the ‘Get Finance Ready’ workshop hosted by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, where she first learned about the Create Growth Programme and expressed interest in taking part. The Growth Hub team promptly followed up, sharing further details and exploring how the programme aligned with her business goals. Once confirmed as a strong fit, they arranged a fully-funded Business Growth Assessment with one of their experienced Growth Account Managers.

A Four-Strand Package of Growth Support

As part of the Create Growth Programme, led locally by Hertfordshire Futures and nationally by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK. WhenSheeCreates accessed a comprehensive package of support delivered through a series of interconnected strands.

Strand 1: Business Growth Assessment 

Delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, the Business Growth Assessment marked the beginning of Sheena’s growth journey. Using a diagnostic tool to evaluate performance across 12 key areas, the session provided clarity on her business’s current stage and future potential. It identified priority areas for development, laying a strong foundation as she moved forward into the Film & TV Supply Chain Innovation course.

Strand 2: Film & TV Supply Chain Innovation Programme

WhenSheeCreates took part in the intensive 8-week Film & TV Supply Chain Innovation Programme, delivered by Estu and the Royal College of Art in collaboration with Hertfordshire’s leading studios and industry experts.

The course provided Sheena with deep insight into Hertfordshire’s dynamic screen sector, helping her identify scalable opportunities and refine her commercial strategy to align with evolving industry demands. Through the course, she also built valuable relationships with the Hertfordshire Film Office, Estu, and fellow cohort businesses, which enhanced her visibility and positioned her company for regional growth and future collaborations.

Strand 3: Investment Readiness 

Following her participation in the Supply Chain Innovation course, Sheena advanced into the optional Investment Readiness strand, delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub. This phase provided targeted support on business finance, including one-to-one sessions with the Growth Hub’s SME Access to Finance Adviser. Through this tailored guidance, Sheena gained clarity on financial forecasting, business planning, and funding options suited to her business model. The support significantly strengthened her preparedness for bidding on new contracts and positioned her business for future growth.

Strand 4: New Product/Service Accelerator 

Although Sheena has not yet engaged with the University of Hertfordshire’s New Product/Service Accelerator, she is keen to pursue this strand in the coming months. She sees it as a valuable opportunity to access resources, facilities, and partnerships that will support innovation and the development of new services, further strengthening her business’s growth trajectory.

Building Blocks for Success

With a solid foundation in place, Sheena is now focused on scaling operations. Her plans include securing finance for equipment and technology upgrades, expanding the client base, launching new service packages, and accelerating marketing efforts. The business has already secured a new contract to deliver Creative Director services for It Takes a Village (ITAV) Bridge the Gap Studios, a success Sheena attributes to her participation in the Create Growth Programme.

Summary of Impact

Through the Create Growth Programme, WhenSheeCreates achieved:

• Strategic clarity on business growth and investment readiness
• Improved financial literacy and confidence to engage with funders
• Enhanced visibility and industry connections across Hertfordshire’s screen sector
• Refined commercial strategy aligned with evolving market demands
• Secured new contracts, including Creative Director services for ITAV Bridge the Gap Studios

Client Testimonial

“The Create Growth Programme gave me the clarity, confidence, and connections I needed to scale my business. It wasn’t just advice; it was a complete support system. All the organisations involved were responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success. There was always someone available to speak to, and I never felt alone in the process. Every query I had, whether about finance, strategy, or industry connections, was met with fast, helpful support.”

Sheena Tenkoreng, Founder of WhenSheeCreates

Looking to join the Create Growth Programme? This is the final call for businesses to secure a place. The Next cohort starts on 26th January, don't miss out. Register your interest here.