We’re excited to introduce the Creative Enterprise Business Builder, a grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. With grants of up to £2,500, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth.
The grants can be used to subsidise the cost of working with an expert to support companies’ specific goals including business planning and strategy as well as offering other specialist expertise, knowledge or contacts. Examples include marketing strategy, monetisation of IP, international operation, and more . For the full list of approved support, please see Business Builder Guidelines below.
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Applications for Creative Enterprise Business Builder are now open. Apply Now
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The Business Builder grants are only available to businesses based in England. If you are based in any of the devolved administrations (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), your application will be automatically declined.
Please note that the award cannot be used to design a business plan (visually)or brand assets, pay staff, management, directors, or shareholders of the company for their contributions to the work completed as part of this grant.
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Any questions? Email our Creative Enterprise team.
***Applications are now open. Apply Now***
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Who is it for?
The programme will support registered SMEs working in ‘moving image’ for storytelling. We will consider companies working with on screen content that tells a story in order to entertain an audience. This includes those working in film, TV, animation, games and immersive media, tech platforms with a narrative focus; and where the content is consumed on screen. Here the content’s primary aim must be for entertainment rather than advertising, education etc. Beneficiaries must:
- Founder working in the Screen sector in England
- Be a Limited Company registered on Companies House
- Relevant track record in the screen industry * For example trading as a company for at least 12 months, or experience bringing a product to market*
- Ambitions for company growth and a clear vision for your business
How much can I apply for?
The maximum amount available for business planning support is £2,500. This will be subject to a pre-approved budget and work-plan and not every business may need the maximum award. When you apply for the Business Builder Grant, we will ask you to submit a proposed budget and work-plan. Ideally, we would expect the planning process to take no more than 6 months and to involve the owner/CEO of the company and any other relevant senior management. If you have identified someone you would like to work with already, we encourage you to include them on your application.
We will have a list of recommended consultants available soon. If you are struggling to find a relevant consultant in the meantime, you can contact the team to discuss this. If you would like to work with an expert not featured on this list, please provide details as part of your application. At the end of this process, applicants will typically be able to demonstrate a deeper knowledge and understanding of their chosen area(s) of focus that can then be used to direct the company’s future growth and/or as a tool for pitching for investment. This is a rolling fund and therefore, there is no current deadline for applications.
Note on Business Builder Consultant Directory
In the Business Builder Consultant Directory, you’ll discover a curated collection of consultants ready to empower and elevate your screen business. Whether you’re seeking expertise in strategy, marketing, finance, or other crucial areas, our directory is your gateway to finding the perfect consultant to drive your business success.
Remember, you’re free to choose any consultant you desire, even if they’re not on our list.
Case Studies
Here you can find examples of previous successful applicants and how they used their grant:
A production company received a grant to hire a consultant to help with modifying a their development slate which resulted in the business incorporating a TV arm to their productions.
A company that works at the intersection of stage, screen and immersive storytelling received a grant to work with a consultant on rebranding the business as they transition into a new market space.
Early-stage production company used the grant do formalise their slate deck, implement new business partnership strategy and identify a team structure plan. They have since secured four new commissions from broadcasters.
A new film company used the grant to work with a consultant to complete their business plan to get to the next stage of growth.
A production company that wanted to transition into making feature films used the grant to hire a consultant that helped them explore moving into the film industry. The company is now in talks to license their first feature film.
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Should you have any access or communication requirements relating to our applications and guidance, then please contact the team at creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk or 0333 023 5240. Subsistence contributions are available to assist with the costs of travel and accessibility of the programme. Funds are limited and at the discretion of Creative UK.
If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements prior to applying, please get in touch with Creative Enterprise Team at creativeenterprise@creativeengland.co.uk
