Business Development is an intensive and sector-specific Business Development and support Programme. This will incorporate mentoring and business advice for creative industries, including career pathway support for local graduates.
An expert group have been commissioning a provider for specific sector support, via a competitive tender process. Following this process, we are delighted to announce CDI Alliance as our delivery partner in a consortium, with local expertise and resource provided by Sector Support North East Lincolnshire, Event Show Support CIC, Docks Academy and Centre4. On Wednesday 11th November this was announced via a press release. You can contact CDI Alliance now via their SparkGrimsby email address hello@sparkgrimsby.co.uk. In addition, the group will make decisions regarding professional development grants and training and development opportunities, alongside delivery partner and National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) East Street Arts.
Six places for the National Arts Fundraising School (NAFS) residential programme, (now online as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic) have been provided, following a selection process from the Business Development sub-group. Charlotte Bowen (The Culture House), Lisa February (freelance creative practitioner), Laurie Kennedy (The Faraway Community Interest Company), Paula Denton (Our Big Picture), Lynsey Powles (Lyns Urban Arts) and Jo Smith (Jo Smith Textiles) attended the intensive programme on behalf of the Cultural Development Fund. Following this, Grimsby Creates launched the Grimsby Creates Development Fund, awarding grants of up to £2,500 to local creatives to help them further their professional development, learning and understanding. 31 applicants have been supported, with a total spend of just under £60,000. Keep an eye out for some forthcoming blogs from some of the successful applicants.
