Skip to main content Skip to navigation

FAQ's

The application form is here and full timetable of key dates can be found here


Creative Industries businesses are defined as those working in the following sectors:

  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft
  • Createch (tech that is immersive or enables creativity, for example music software)
  • Design
  • Fashion
  • Gaming
  • Music
  • Publishing
  • TV and Film

We are open to working with as many graduates and start-up enterprises as possible so if you do not feel your business or business idea completely fits within the categories above, please submit an application form and the panel can better assess its eligibility.


Business incubators are programmes and spaces designed to accelerate the successful development of businesses through an array of support resources and services. At University of Warwick our Creative Futures Incubator is specifically for creative & digital practitioners and teams who want to grow and become more successful and at the same time develop creatively.


  • Induction and Business diagnostics shortly after your start date
  • One-to-one coaching
  • Introductions to mentors and experts in your field or related sectors
  • Participation in our Creative Futures and incubator events
  • Listing your business on our online directory
  • Cooperation with requests for feedback via our surveys and questionnaires

Switching into the Start-up category will only be permitted where the applicant has or has last been granted leave as a:


Yes, your business must be based in the West Midlands in order to qualify. Being accepted on the programme, gives you and your team access to space in an office or co-working space in our new incubator in Leamington Spa so it is required you make time to be in the building during the week during your residency. You will not be able to register your business address at the incubator so qualifying businesses will need to be registered at an alternative address in the West Midlands.


It is normal for all newly formed companies to have very little funding at their inception. Thus, the company founders have to fund themselves until an investor can be found. The University, as a charity, cannot provide financial support to commercial entities in which it has no equity. Where it does hold equity, any support is limited to start-up funding and would be insufficient to pay a salary.


If successful you will be enrolled in a 6 month programme including space and business support, the team in Creative Futures will support you to grow and develop your business in this period with the view to continue as an incubator resident either as a co-worker or a tenant. The team will help you discover the best approach and plan that suits and develops your business in this time.

CF 2021We will only accept submissions using our templates.

Please download and complete the financial forecast template below:

Creative Futures: Financial Forecast Template

Successful submissions must include the following:

  • 1 Application Form including personal biography (200 words) and Business Vision (500 words)
  • CV for lead applicant
  • Financial forecasts
  • 5 images which best represent your work
  • A video up to 3 minutes explaining your business idea and why you would like to join Creative Futures.