Create Growth Build. Connect. Evolve.

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

 Create Growth: Build • Connect • Evolve

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) 
• Peer-coaching forums  (mix of online and in-person)
• Expert surgeries (finance, legal, governance, IP) 
• Fireside conversations with Createch founders
• Roundtable Discussions with experts
• £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: 

Please note, all workshop dates are indicative and that we will be working closely with the cohort participants and speakers to ensure we deliver a well-balanced programme.

Don’t worry if you can’t make all the sessions, we still encourage you to apply and we can discuss options  with you, if your application is successful.

Date	Session Title	Theme	Location
18 Nov 2025	Venture Foundations (Induction)	Creative journey mapping & baseline impact	Bath Studio
26 Nov 2025	What Could AI do for me?	IP fundamentals & protection	Bath Studio
3 Dec 2025	How do I make this sustainable	Creative AI applications & strategy	Bath Studio
17  Dec 2025	Growing with Purpose	Values-led business models	Bath Studio
14  Jan 2026	The Power of Collaboration	Growth through collaboration	Bath Studio
28 Jan 2026	How to Ask for Money	Financial planning & investment readiness	Bath Studio
4 Feb 2026	Who do I want to reach?	Reaching and growing audiences	Bath Studio
11 Feb 2026	Evolution Explored	Embedding social value	Bath Studio
25 Feb 2026	Graduation	Celebration and networking	Bath Studio
Apr 2026 – Mar 2027	Studio Residency	On going development support	Bath Studio

Wraparound Support

• Peer Coaching Forums: 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 meet-ups and sector networking 
• Introduction 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 19 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.