Topic: Funding

Creative freelancers and SMEs across the West Midlands can now apply for up to £10,000 in funding to develop innovative ideas through a new regional research and development fund.

The fund is part of a wider ambition to grow a flourishing creative ecosystem by 2030, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and Mayor Richard Parker.

Supporting early-stage innovation

Launched through CreaTech Frontiers, the West Midlands’ new creative industries cluster, the fund aims to make R&D support more accessible to smaller companies and individuals. Many freelancers and micro-businesses can struggle to access traditional innovation grants, and this initiative seeks to address that gap.

A total of £250,000 is available this summer, with grants of up to £10,000 for successful applicants. This is the first round of funding, with at least £1.8 million expected to be awarded over the next five years.

Encouraging new ideas

Applications are open until 4 August, and organisers are particularly encouraging first-time applicants and those with untested or original concepts.

Professor Lamberto Coccioli, Director of CreaTech Frontiers, said: “We hope to receive an enthusiastic response from creative companies and freelancers all across the West Midlands.”

Kath Fuller, Chief Operating Officer of TechWM and a board member of CreaTech Frontiers, added: “This is a rare opportunity for freelancers, micro-businesses and SMEs to take creative risks, test bold ideas and unlock the full potential of R&D.”

Creating jobs and showcasing West Midlands talent

Mayor Richard Parker said the fund is about more than individual business growth. It is also about positioning the region as a global leader in creative technology.

“I want our bold thinkers and creative minds to turn their great ideas into global success stories,” he said. “And as we do that, we’re creating exciting new jobs and showing the world what the West Midlands is made of.”

The information for this article came from insider media, read it here.

Creative individuals in Sandwell have an exciting opportunity to access financial support to start or grow their businesses. The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE) is offering up to £20,000 in investment for individuals in the creative industries who are looking to make a positive social impact through their enterprises.

As well as funding, successful applicants will receive a 12-month membership to the MeWe360 Incubator programme, which provides business support and mentorship from industry experts at Deutsche Bank.

A total of £60,000 is available in this round of funding, making this an excellent opportunity for Sandwell’s creative talent to take their business ideas to the next level.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have an existing business or a strong business idea in the creative industries
• Aim to create social impact through their enterprise
• Be committed to engaging with MeWe’s business support
• Legally reside in the UK from 29 January 2025 to 29 June 2026

Projects requiring extensive technological research and development are not eligible. Applications are welcomed from a range of creative sectors, including advertising, architecture, design, fashion, film, gaming, music and publishing.

The deadline for applications is Monday 31 March 2025, so now is the time to seize this opportunity.

Other funding opportunities

In addition to the DBACE funding, there are other funding pots currently available for projects that could benefit businesses and individuals in Sandwell:

• Funding for Creative Youth-led Nature Projects – Grants of £500 for young people (aged 14 to 25) to deliver creative projects celebrating UK native wildflowers, plants and fungi. Deadline: Wednesday 19 March 2025.
• Funding for Activities to Improve People’s Lives – Grants between £500 and £6,000 for UK charities working in the arts, environment and medical welfare. Next deadline: Tuesday 3 June 2025.
• Funding to Support Crafts, Heritage & Classical Music Projects – Grants between £2,500 and £7,500 for projects supporting training, education and skill development in traditional crafts, heritage conservation and classical music. Deadline: 31 July 2025.

With a strong creative sector and a growing community, Sandwell is full of talent and ambition. These funding opportunities are a crucial step in helping creative businesses thrive.