Create Growth Build • Connect • Evolve
Ready to scale your Createch venture? Apply now to join a cohort of visionary founders shaping the future of creative technology.
Create Growth: Build • Connect • Evolve
Applications open Wednesday 17th September 2025
Turn your Createch venture into an investable, scalable business.
Join a dynamic programme designed for creative technology founders in the West of England, offering expert-led workshops, peer learning, and a 12-month Residency at The Studio in Bath.
About the Programme
Create Growth is a national initiative funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The West of England Combined Authority is one of 12 regions participating.
Since 2022, the programme has supported 60 high-growth creative businesses. In 2025, DCMS announced a one-year extension to support a further 24–30 ventures.
This new phase builds on previous success, offering sector-specific support to help Createch businesses scale, attract investment, and grow sustainably.
Who should apply?
We’re looking for:
- Founders and leadership teams of Createch ventures (SMEs, studios, social enterprises, mission-led businesses)
- Working in immersive & XR, digital media, games, design tech, music/film tech, creative AI
- Based in or delivering impact across Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire
- At a scaling or investment-readiness inflection point
- Open to peer learning and expert feedback
- Able to commit to the programme from Nov 2025–Feb 2026, and a 12-month Residency from Apr 2026–Mar 2027
What You’ll Get
- 8 thematic workshops (2 hours each)
- Monthly peer-coaching forums (online)
- Expert surgeries (finance, legal, governance, IP)
- Fireside conversations with Createch founders
- £1,000 microgrant on completion
- 12-month Residency at The Studio, Bath
- Introduction to the BSU BOOST programme for funding support
Workshop Series (Nov 2025 – Feb 2026)
Each workshop blends expert input, peer exchange, and practical exercises:
| Date | Session Title | Theme | Location |
| 18 Nov 2025 | Venture Foundations (Induction) | Creative journey mapping & baseline impact | Bath Studio |
| 26 Nov 2025 | Is there a Patent for that? | IP fundamentals & protection | Bath Studio |
| 3 Dec 2025 | What could AI do for me? | Creative AI applications & strategy | Online/Bath Studio |
| 10 Dec 2025 | How do I make this sustainable? | Values-led business models | Bath Studio |
| 17 Dec 2025 | Building Networks & Strategic Partnerships | Growth through collaboration | Online |
| 7 Jan 2026 | Finance and Funding Essentials | Financial planning & investment readiness | Online |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Grant Writing & Bid Development | Writing strong funding bids | Online |
| 21 Jan 2026 | Social Impact & Purpose-Driven Growth | Embedding social value | Online |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Sales, Marketing & Audience Development | Reaching and growing audiences | Online |
| 4 Feb 2026 | Growth Strategy & Scaling Up | Long-term planning & international expansion | Online |
Wraparound Support
- Peer Coaching Forums: Monthly online sessions for cohort exchange and support
- Expert Surgeries: Tailored advice on legal, finance, governance, and investment
- Resource Hub: Templates, recorded sessions, funding updates
- Innovation Exploration: Access to immersive media library and tech support
- Fireside Conversations: Informal talks with successful Createch founders
Post-Programme Residency (Apr 2026 – Mar 2027)
- 12-month Residency at The Studio, Bath – click here to find out about our Residency application and selection process
- Continued peer meetups and sector networking
- Access to BSU BOOST programme
- Impact follow-up to track venture progress
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 9am, Wednesday 17 September 2025
- Applications Close: 11:55pm, Sunday 12 October 2025
- Programme Delivery: Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
- Residency Period: Apr 2026 – Mar 2027
Ready to evolve your Createch venture?
Join a cohort of visionary founders shaping the future of creative technology.
There are two ways to apply:
- Click here for our online application form. There is an immersive reader option within the form.
- If you prefer to submit a video application, please upload link into this form and submit. You’ll find a downloadable PDF of the questions here
