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Creative Entrepreneurs: Investment, Grants & Loans
Join this three-part course - part of the Startup Essentials series - to find out everything you need to know about funding opportunities for your creative start-up.
What to expect
Raising enough money to get your creative business off the ground and sustain growth through the early years is the number one priority for all entrepreneurs. The main reason most start-ups fail is not because their idea isn’t strong, but because they run out of the funds needed to support their venture.
This three-part course, led by Creative Entrepreneurs, will give you an overview of the major funding sources available to you through seminar discussions and activities.
Whether you have already started a creative business, have an idea for a new one or just want to learn more, we welcome you to join this course.
See the full programme below.
testimonials
'The types of speakers that you bring in are really top notch, and ones that you wouldn’t necessarily see at any other entrepreneurship event.'
'One of the most inspiring and useful events I’ve attended. I immediately started working on my business card and improving my website.'
The Programme
Session One: Investment
• Harnessing your Savings: Invest in yourself as long as possible
• Friends and Family – the dos, don’ts, whens and hows
• Approaching Outside Investors: creating a killer investment pitch
• How to decide which investor is most suited to your business
• Angel investors, venture capital, or private equity?
• Crowdfunding: how it works, and what you can offer your ‘funders’ in return
Session Two: Loans
• What are lenders looking for and why?
• Loans on favourable terms for startups – what are they and how can you apply for one?
• Bank loans – which banks are committed to helping creative businesses? How do you stand out?
• Determining the amount that you need to borrow
• Interest rates: what to expect - How high is too high?
Session Three: Grants
• Overview of grant schemes and the grant-making process
• Who qualifies for grants and how?
• How much can you expect to receive?
• When is the best time to apply for a grant?
• How to write a grant application
Booking information
Members: £75
Adult: £90
Student/concession: £75
session 1 speakers
Shaun Beaney
Shaun Beaney works in the Corporate Finance Faculty at ICAEW on public policy initiatives, communications and research projects. He chairs Immerse UK’s Access to Finance & Investment Working Group, he’s a member of the Investment for Growth group of the UK government-sponsored Creative Industries Council, and he’s an associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins.
Martin Carruthers
Martin is a Manager at Grant Thornton and has worked with a large breadth of start-up and growth companies across a range of sectors including creative businesses. Martin has managed funds aimed at start-up and growing businesses and has a wealth of experience in helping start-ups assess the right funding options, raise finance and overcome barriers to growth.
session 2 speaker
Nick Howe
Nick has a passion for supporting people and businesses, spotting and signposting opportunities for them. He is also a confident presenter to both small and large audiences on a range of business topics. Nick helps business community organisations to build their offering and range of events, workshops, contacts and reach to help their local business economy thrive.
session 3 speaker
Charlotte Thompson
Charlotte is part of the Access to Funding and Finance team, working on early stage investment for Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine. She previously worked in business incubation where she supported start-ups and SMEs in maximising their growth. Charlotte has a BSc in Economics and an MA in Enterprise evaluating the commercial potential of intellectual property.
Creative Entrepreneurs
Creative Entrepreneurs empowers creative people to turn their ideas into successful businesses, bringing them the resources, inspiration and networks they need. They deliver this through events, courses, their website, newsletters and videos.