The Creative Business Mentor Network

by Startacus Admin

If you’re a creative business in the film, TV, digital media, advertising or gaming sector then the recently launched Creative Business Mentor Network may be worth a look.

The network which is run by NESTA in partnership with PACT, IPA, Hospital Club, UKIE and Creative Skillset, aims to help ensure that the UK’s most innovative and exciting creative companies realise their true potential. How? Well it’s quite straightforward - by providing a matchmaking service between the company and a leading industry mentor who has proven skills and experience in building successful businesses.

Mentoring has been long viewed as something which can have an invaluable impact on startup businesses and the creative sector is no different in this regard.

The initiative will see successful businesses receiving mentoring for a period of 6-12 months and will take the form of ten, two hour sessions. Additional networking opportunities and in-house support from Nesta will also be part of the package.

There are however a couple of stipulations for those of you thinking of applying - to be eligible for entry, your company must be established for at least two years in the UK and also have a minimum turnover of £200,000.

If you meet that criteria, you can simply apply via the Nesta website before Tuesday 14 May 2013 at 3pm. Further information on the initiative including details on some of the mentors who are taking part can be found on the site too. It’s worth noting too that if you are successful, you will be required to pay a £200 fee to cover admin costs. Not too high a price when you consider all the benefits you’ll be getting in return!

Admittedly this opportunity isn’t suitable for those of us still at a very early stage in our business journeys; however it’s still good to hear about initiatives like this which exist and which fundamentally are helping small businesses grow and prosper.

One last thing - Good luck to any of you who do apply!

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• #mentoring
• #nesta
• #creative industries

Published on: 11th April 2013