West Midlands

About the region

Since launching in the region, the programme has supported over 80 creative businesses across multiple cohorts and stages of growth.

In 2024/25, 50 businesses joined the programme across two tailored stages:

Stage One supported earlier-stage businesses preparing for growth and investment.

Stage Two worked with more established businesses approaching investment.

In 2025/26, a further 40 businesses have joined, benefiting from an evolved delivery model tailored to regional needs.

Businesses range from sole founders to established companies with more than 60 employees spanning film and TV, gaming, immersive, product design, advertising and digital content – all with the ambition and potential to scale.

Being present in the West Midlands, it was important to include businesses that represent this diverse region and are high-growth, with real potential to scale.

Julia Hayes, Programme Manager for Creative UK West Midlands

Objectives and delivery

Stage one businesses will get six months of workshops covering topics such as intellectual property, investment, strategic networking, and marketing. Alongside that, participants will have one-to-one mentoring sessions including a diagnostic session at the end of the process to signpost opportunities and finalise their growth plan.

The stage two programme is nine months and includes workshops covering similar topics but with a focus on investment rather than growth planning. Participants also get more dedicated mentorship; 27 hours over the period with a bespoke investment mentor tailored to the needs of the business.

A big part of the programme for both cohorts is the investor connect events, where participants can practise their pitch and tailor their offering to real investors – and maybe even land investment.

Jasmin says: “The connect events include pitch and dines, pitch practice opportunities and networking events. These are a big opportunity for participants to refine their pitch or offering further, and meet people who might eventually be putting some money into their business.”

Impact and response

Following the programme’s first year in 2024/25, 83% of the 50 participating businesses applied for investment or pitched, and 72% developed or launched a new product.

The programme also showcased the region’s creative strengths at the Big Creative UK Investment Summit: West Midlands, which has now run for a second year, bringing founders together with investors, partners and local networks.

Participants continue to report increased confidence in pitching, stronger commercial skills, and expanded networks – helping to build a more connected, investment-ready creative ecosystem across the West Midlands.

Read more about the programme’s impact and view case studies here.