Creative Futures Apply Now

Creative Futures is a gateway between the University and the region’s creative industries

We inspire, educate & incubate on campus and at 1 Mill StreetLink opens in a new window, a new co-working space in Leamington Spa offering business advice, mentoring and networking to support the growth of creative ideas, enterprises and innovation.

What are the benefits?

As a start-up or creative business, by becoming part of the Creative Futures Incubator you benefit from desk space at 1 Mill Street which offers, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, world-class events space, a video and sound studio and great food and coffee.

Deadline EXTENDED for Cohort 5: Sunday 11th September 2022, at midnight.

Apply Here

Before reaching the form, you will need to register using your email and a chosen password.
Link opens in a new windowPlease note your details will remain private and confidential.

Imagine what your life could look like, 6 months from now with:

A subsidised co-working space at 1 Mill Street with 6 months’ worth of business support, mentoring and advice to develop and launch your business. This is equivalent to up to £10,000 worth of space and support.
1-2-1 coaching to empower you with the monthly focus and accountability you need to break through your own limitations.
A tailored package of support and agreed milestones to equip your climb towards developing your business.
Exclusive access to the University of Warwick’s experts, mentors and graduate entrepreneurs
Hands on learning through guest speaker talks, events and live interviews.
A strong sense of community with a network of peers who share similar entrepreneurial interests and aspirations.
Pitch practice for the opportunity to present directly to an investor network

Photo credit: Ana Frantz

Eligibility criteria:

You must be motivated and determined to build or start a business in the West Midlands and be able to demonstrate why you would benefit from being part of the Leamington Spa creative cluster.
This programme is open to graduates, alumni, early stage, start-up and SMEs. Current students are not eligible.

Applications can come from individuals (a lead applicant) or teams with a maximum of five co-founders or team members.
The business team must be primarily based in the West Midlands during their time on the programme.
Successful businesses will need to be both creative & digital from various sectors including screen, gaming, VR, AI, performing arts, marketing and events, PR and design businesses.
Each cohort will be made up of a mix of the following business types;
- Creative Tech
- Creative Products
- Creative Production
- Creative Content

Do you have a creative business idea?

Leamington Spa is the UK’s largest creative cluster outside Greater London and Creative Futures provides an exciting opportunity for any business to develop entrepreneurial skills, test, launch and pitch ideas and get 6 months of free space and support to develop your creative enterprises.

Successful submissions must include the following:

Application Form including details of your Business Vision, what makes you different and how you will attract, engage and sell to customers
CV for the lead applicant and other team members (if appropriate)
Financial Forecast – Please use this template hereLink opens in a new window
5 Images which best represent your work
3-min video explaining your business, your vision and introducing the team (if appropriate)

Please note: we will only accept submissions using our templates.

Creative Futures Incubator proudly supported and sponsored by:

Keen to find out more?

Please see the timetable of key dates below. If you believe the fantastic package of support and space in our incubator would be of benefit to you or your creative business, please contact the Creative & Digital Communities Manager, Clare Green; clare.e.green@warwick.ac.uk

Full name

Uni ID (if applicable)

Yes

Course (if applicable)

Yes

How did you hear about Creative Futures?

Yes

Privacy notice

The data on this form will be used to send you the information you have requested. We will store the fact that you have requested the information and your contact details to receive the information, but we will not send you any information beyond that which you have requested, nor will we use the data for any other purpose.

The University of Warwick is the Data Controller of any information you have entered on this form and is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in line with Data Protection Legislation. The University's Data Protection webpages provide further information on your rights and how the University processes personal data. If you wish to submit a data subjects rights request, make a complaint or report a suspected personal data breach, please contact the University’s Data Protection Officer by email at infocompliance@warwick.ac.uk.

Spam prevention

Dates to Apply

Important Dates: Every year we have 2 rounds of applications: one in January and July.

Date	Activity
Wednesday 25th May 2022	Cohort 5 Applications open
Sunday 11th September 2022	Applications close at midnight
14th, 15th and 19th September 2022 at 9am - 1pm	Interviews to take place and shortlisted businesses invited to present to a panel. Please hold these days and times in your calendar.
Successful applicants meet up:	Thursday 29th September
Start Date	3rd October

*LATE APPLICATIONS: The Warwick Enterprise Team is unable to accept late applications. If you miss the deadline you will need to submit an application to the next application round.