‘Startup Essentials’ with Creative Entrepreneurs

How do you turn a creative idea into a successful business? Whether it’s creating a new publication, setting up a design studio or running a gallery, knowing the basics of business is an essential part of creating a new project.

Curated by Creative Entrepreneurs, this three-part course will cover several essential aspects of setting up a creative business: how to network effectively, legal basics, and finance. Through seminar discussions led by experts and hands-on activities, participants will learn the skills and knowledge they need to begin realising their projects.

No prior experience of knowledge is required. Whether you have already started a creative business, have an idea for a new project or just want to learn more, we welcome you to join this course.

Session One: How to Network
by Carolyn Dailey, Founder, Creative Entrepreneurs

• Overview – what makes things happen today - the power of connection

• Preparation – defining goals, research, preparing marketing materials

• Networking in action – lay of the land, strategies & techniques

• Harnessing trust and reciprocity – cultivating long-term relationships

Session Two: Financial Basics for Creative Startups
by Martin Carruthers & Shaun Beaney - Finance Basics

• Accounting basics – information tracking and financial planning

• Tax basics – corporate tax overview, HMRC, VAT, SEIS

• Fundraising basics – friends and family, angel investment, startup loans (crowdfunding to be mentioned, but not covered in detail)

Session Three: Legal Basics for Creative Startups

• What are the common characteristics of creative industry businesses?

• Company basics - key considerations on setting up, organisation and share structures

• People basics – employees, freelancers and consultants how to incentivise and retain key creative individuals

• IP basics – IP overview, understanding what you own and how to exploit and protect it