Applications for the Creative Business Mentor Network (CBMN), run by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), open on 1st June 2010. Companies can apply at www.nesta.org.uk until 30 June 2010.
The scheme, which is now in its second year, is open to creative businesses in TV production, advertising, film, video games, design, animation, music, digital media or publishing that have been established for at least three years and who have revenues of over £250,000. Successful applicants will receive expert business mentoring on a monthly basis for twelve months and will also have the chance to forge links with other businesses taking part in the scheme.
Mentors already signed up to the scheme include Peter Bazalgette (Non-Executive Director, New Baz Limited), Charles Wace (Chief Executive, Twofour Communications) and Patrick McKenna (Chief Executive, Ingenious Media Group). Each mentor has committed to spending two hours per month with their mentees over the course of the year to apply their industry-leading expertise to the business.
Jonathan Kestenbaum, chief executive of NESTA says: “The UK’s vibrant creative sector will play a substantial role in the growth of our economy over the next few years. The mentors are amongst the most respected business leaders from the creative industry and their expertise will help guide our most promising companies so that they can make a real impact in the marketplace.”
According to research by NESTA, in 90% of creative businesses over half of the senior management team have not had any business development training and only 35% of creative businesses have set business revenue goals. The Creative Business Mentor Network is designed to rectify this gap in business training for creative firms.
Lambros Atteshlis from Glasshead, which last year received mentoring from Alex Graham from Wall to Wall, says: “Being part of the CBMN had a huge impact on our company. Our mentor helped us with setting targets, company structure and financial matters, getting new business and planning our way through what has become a serious financial situation for the whole country. We are now much better placed to deal with the economic downturn.”
He adds: “NESTA helped hugely with advice and support and I can honestly say that this was by far the most important and influential business programme I’ve ever attended. It was focused, influential and fun. I’ve come out of it feeling much more informed about how to deal with the challenges ahead. I wish this programme had existed 15 years ago!’Applications for the scheme are open from 1 June until 30 June 2010. For more information and to make an application visit: www.nesta.org.uk
About NESTA
NESTA says: “NESTA is the largest independent endowment in the UK. Its mission is to support innovation to drive economic recovery and solve some of the UK's major social challenges. NESTA is a world leader in its field and is in a unique position to support innovation through a blend of practical programmes, policy and research and investment in early-stage companies.”
About Creative Business Mentor Network
NESTA says: “The Creative Business Mentor Network was launched as a pilot programme in 2009. Run by NESTA, the programme involved twenty four companies and twenty five mentors. Mentors for the 2010 programme are currently being finalised.
To see a list of 2009 mentors and mentees.
Businesses applying for the 2010 Creative Business Mentor Network must have been established for at least three years, have revenues of over £250,000 and operate in at least one of the following areas: TV production, Film, Digital media, Advertising, Games, Publishing, Design, Animation, Music.”
