West Midlands Create Growth

The programme will be delivered from September 2026 to February 2027.

The deadline for full applications is Monday 6th July at 12pm (midday).

Note: if you have only completed an EOI by this date your application will not be considered.

What is the application process?

1. Register on the Creative UK portal.
2. Complete a short Expression of Interest (EOI) to confirm eligibility.
3. If eligible, you will be invited to complete a full application.
4. Applications will be assessed by the programme team and mentors.
5. Stage two applicants may be invited to a diagnostic call.
6. All applicants will be notified by the end of July.

To apply, businesses must be:

• Registered on Companies House
• Trading or registered within the West Midlands
• Operating within a recognised creative industries subsector

For the West Midlands, eligible locations fall into two categories:

• Priority areas (as defined by the West Midlands Combined Authority): Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton; and
• Wider region areas: East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Warwick, Stratford-on-Avon, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Wyre Forest

Creative subsectors include advertising and marketing; architecture; crafts; design and designer fashion; film, TV, video, radio and photography; IT, software and computer services (including gaming); publishing; museums, galleries and libraries, and music, performing and visual arts.

Participants should expect to commit:

• Up to 2 days per month for workshops
• 1 hour per month with a coach (Stage one)
• An average of 2.5 hours per month with a mentor (Stage two)
• Time for preparation or take home tasks

Optional social and networking activities will also be available.

Following a detailed review of your application - and consultation with mentors from the programme’s mentor pool - businesses will be placed on the stage that best supports their needs. You may also be invited to a diagnostic meeting to assess your business stage.

Decisions will be made with consideration to:

• Your clarity around the type of investment you’re seeking
• How you plan to use investment
• Your ambition and readiness to develop an investment strategy

Stage one is best for founders at an exploratory stage. Stage two is best for founders with defined investment ambitions and near‑term fundraising plans.

In Stage one, you will be assigned a coach. Coaching helps early‑stage founders build clarity, confidence and accountability. Coaches use structured questioning and goal‑setting to help you reflect, make decisions and develop strong business habits.

In Stage two, you will be assigned a mentor. Mentoring supports later‑stage founders with strategic guidance from an experienced practitioner. Mentors bring sector or business expertise, challenge your thinking and help refine your plans as you prepare for investment.  

Stage one founders are typically exploring their options and shaping early investment thinking, so coaching helps them build strong foundations and develop clarity. Stage two founders usually have clearer goals and near‑term fundraising ambitions, so mentoring provides the deeper strategic support and expertise they need to move forward.  

We cannot accept applications from outside the priority and wider region areas.

You are however welcome to join our newsletter for updates on other opportunities across the region.

If you’re unsure about whether to apply, contact the team at westmidlandscgp@wearecreative.uk or join one of the June webinars.

The programme does not provide direct funding (e.g. grants) of any kind. However, the programme itself is fully‑funded, meaning it is free for businesses to participate.

No. There is no requirement to have secured investment before applying.

• If you are new to investment, Stage one is likely the best fit.
• If you have some familiarity with investment - even without having raised before or if you have - Stage two may be suitable.

If you’re unsure about whether to apply, contact the team at westmidlandscgp@wearecreative.uk or join one of the webinars.

The programme is delivered by Creative UK and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. The programme is funded through a wider £25m package of growth support for the creative industries in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area to help businesses to innovate, upskill and attract private investment, as part of the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund.

Yes. We are hosting online webinars where you can meet the team, hear more about the programme and ask questions:

• Monday 15th June, 11am - 12pm
• Thursday 25th June, 10am - 11am
• Wednesday 1st July, 1 - 2pm

Register for these webinars below. For any additional questions or if you have any concerns, email westmidlandscgp@wearecreative.uk.