Creative businesses across Nottinghamshire are set to benefit from new, targeted support to help attract investment and create jobs.
A county-wide consortium, known as Creative Growth Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, is one of six areas set to share £10.9m worth of government funding as part of the latest round of the Create Growth Programme. This will help creative businesses access private investment and scale-up advice, to turn today’s start-up founders into tomorrow’s CEOs.
Creative Growth Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is a partnership between D2N2 LEP, Invest in Nottingham, NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham Trent University and The University of Nottingham.
The Culture Secretary is doubling the areas covered by the programme, announcing six new areas, including Nottinghamshire, that will help deliver targeted business support, bringing the total number of creative organisations expected to be supported by the programme to 1,800.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “From the famous pottery of its past to fashion brands of today, the Midlands is a place where creative industries can thrive. I want to maximise the potential in the next generation of the region’s creativity and talent for years to come.
“We’re already making progress towards the ambitious goals set out in our sector vision, unveiling millions in new funding to drive growth in our grassroots and scale ups, and banging the drum for creative careers.”
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Asset Management, commented: “As a county already renowned for creativity and innovation, this investment is great news.
“We’re proud to be part of this partnership which will help creative businesses thrive, create more jobs and opportunities, especially for younger people, which will boost our economy.”
Representing the wider consortium, Sajeeda Rose, Corporate Director for Growth and City Development at Nottingham City Council, added: “Securing this funding is a significant boost for our local economy, helping support one of the priority sectors across our city and county. After all, we’re an area that’s well-known for creative innovation and world-changing pioneers.
“This government funding recognises the fantastic potential of our creative and digital sector, and provides an opportunity to support them to realise that potential and achieve growth for them and our economy. We look forward to delivering this support with our local consortium partners.”
Businesses across the city and the county areas of Nottinghamshire can register interest now by emailing their contact details to enquiries@creategrowthn2.co.uk.
The support is expected to be launched in the New Year and it is hoped will benefit more than 60 businesses in the creative sector.
The amount of funding each area will receive is not set and depends on the individual area’s business needs and the number of businesses that apply for grants and support. More details will become available as the programme progresses.