PROJECT SUMMARY

This project is assisting people working in the Creative Sector to become more economically active. The project works with individuals helping them make the transition into self-employment and for those already in self-employment by improving their entrepreneurial skills. It works closely with other initiatives such as Arts Matrix to ensure that project clients can access technical and developmental professional development opportunities. When these fledgling businesses are ready the project links them into the mainstream support offered by initiatives such as Creative Gateway and support from Business Link.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

View from the Project Coordinator

CREATIVE Business Boost is a great project to work on, not only for its diversity of clients but also because of the different areas of support that we can offer.The balance of bespoke business and technical support to the Creative Businesses and organizations of Somerset seems to be a winning combination. It can be specific or a mixed package for up to 30 hours.The business support can vary from start up advice to full-scale business reviews and strategic support.

We are now setting a programme of seminars and training sessions for the next few months. The technical support can involve using a range of media to help with a client’s business and can include simple website development, business cards, demo recordings, demo films, printing, photography depending on what medium they would like to use. We involve the client in this process as much as possible. We can also help with basic training to use equipment or software ranging from graphic design, to sound & lighting.

Creative Business Boost has a variety of technical equipment to lend free during the limited hours of support. We have now had contact with nearly 350 people from all corners of Somerset through Creative Business Boost and we believe that we are still touching the surface of the creative sector in Somerset. We have passed our first birthday and are now into our final year of Rural Renaissance funding.

Written by Tracey Hill - Project Coordinator

Case Studies

Jan from Chewton Mendip
Jan is an artist/specialist sculptor. She came to Creative Business Boost as she was lacking in confidence in business skills and looking for direction for marketing and website information. As a result of meetings with CBB she has been signposted to a different market place for public space art, and has registered at her local college to develop business skills. In addition CBB has taken photographic images of her work for her to use on marketing material as it is difficult to photograph because it changes with movement and light.

Carole from Tonedale, Wellington
Carole has started her own film production company and has had both business and technical support. CBB has worked with Carole on funding opportunities, signposting, a business plan & has had help with her business cards. She has borrowed camera and lights to produce a local piece of work and has now been signposted to the Engine Room.

Jules from Tonedale, Wellington
Jules runs a recording studio in Wellington and has had business and technical support. He has discussed with CBB marketing needs for the studio and how it can develop an identity to compete with other recording studios and help to create a business plan. Technical assistance has been given through loan of equipment for filming and recording.

Fong from Milverton
Fong is a professional singer who aims to introduce Chinese music and culture to British people through workshops with schools. Advice from Creative Business Boost included assistance to print Chinese masks for a performance, a review of her business card & flyers, assistance with CD cover printing, website development & assistance with recording music in UK.

Janet from Tor Hole Bottom, Sedgemoor
J runs courses in yoga, meditation, stress relief and healing. At a meeting with Creative Business Boost, J was given advice on: time-planning in order to make time for her own artwork, technical support for a talk & a review of her web-site requirements. As a result of CBB guidance Janet now has a business card encompassing all of her activities in a business-like manner.

To learn more about Creative Business Boost visit www.bizboost.org or read the final project evaluation report