Applications open for third year of West Midlands Create Growth

Creative businesses can now apply to join West Midlands Create Growth – a six-month, fully funded package of support designed to help them grow and prepare for investment.

Over the last two years 90 businesses have benefitted from tailored workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and opportunities to connect with investors, going on to raise £2million in investment.

The third year of the programme is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by Creative UK.

It's part of a wider £25m package of growth support for the creative industries in the WMCA area to help businesses to innovate, upskill and attract private investment through the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We’re investing heavily in the fabulous creative talent we have across our region because we know great ideas can grow into successful businesses. Turning that potential into reality is what Create Growth is all about, and we’re already seeing some brilliant results.

"Our previous cohort included Pamela and Alex, the talented team behind Mixd Reality, who joined me at the launch of my Growth Plan last year. With the learning from the programme, they’re now scaling their business that creates innovative augmented reality products to improve children’s literacy skills and wellbeing.

"The creative industries are about so much more than entertainment and the creation of exciting new jobs. They also have the power to change people’s everyday lives for the better.”

Emily Cloke, CEO of Creative UK, said: “We’re thrilled to see the return of West Midlands Create Growth, which has established itself as a vital mechanism for supporting creative businesses in the region to grow and raise investment.

"The impact of the programme over the past two years – with over £2 million of investment raised by businesses post-completion – is testament to the ambitions and hard work of the participating businesses and the West Midlands Combined Authority; and proof of the importance of structured support to unlock economic growth.

“The West Midlands is a powerhouse for the creative industries and I look forward to seeing the next round of creative businesses who come through the programme.”

Apply here.

Mayor Richard Parker with Pamela Aculey and Alex Kosminsky of Mixd Reality at the launch of the West Midlands Growth Plan in 2025.