In a post-pandemic world full of new challenges, we need to consider a fresh approach to supporting creative businesses, offering current and relevant information to truly aid with sustainability and growth. Creative Game Changers (CGC), a pilot programme developed in partnership with The Future Economy Company (FEC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is a leading-edge entrepreneurial digital support programme designed to arm participants with advanced skills in creative, critical and digital thinking with the aim of fast-tracking their development and allowing them to realise their full potential in this new world. The programme is funded under the Scottish Government’s Creative Digital Initiative.
Kicking off their three-pronged application process later this month, the Creative Game Changers programme is looking to recruit a small cohort of exceptional, Scotland-based participants who are forging their own path, shaping their own approach and finding new ways to do things in response to the changing landscape.
Those accepted onto this user-driven, virtual course will focus on the recovery, impact, digital reach and growth of their creative businesses. The programme, which will be shaped specifically around the needs of the programme’s participants, will include one two-hour interactive masterclass per week hosted by some of the UK’s most experienced entrepreneurs and top educators, followed by weekly facilitated group discussions.
Initially, participants will take an active role in a collaborative enquiry day alongside programme leads Medeia Cohan and Rachael Brown to determine the course content, thus ensuring the programme’s optimal relevance and impact for the participants.
‘For this programme, we were determined not to assume that we knew what these Game Changers needed. They’re taking an entirely new approach to their businesses so we wanted to create a space where they could tell us how we could best nourish them’ says CGC Programme Lead, Medeia Cohan.
In addition to the course content, participants will also have access to a host of ‘Shepherds’ specialising in a range of subjects who are available for 1:2:1 consultations to support participants across their journey on the course.
‘Creativeme Changers is a chance for entrepreneurs who’ve not yet found their most appropriate business support mechanism to curate their own development experience. They’re being offered space to be heard and quality care to assist them with their development,’ offers Rachael Brown, CEO of The Future Economy Company.
The programme is currently accepting expressions of interest via their website and applications are expected to open in late June and will be accepted through a rolling admission, meaning that strong applicants will be accepted as soon as they are selected, thus the programme could fill up before the mid July deadline. In short, don’t wait to apply.
The application process includes three rounds of consideration including an online application, a virtual interview and lastly a selection panel of Game Changers will select the programme participants.
The selection panel includes digital expert, Andrew Davis, Equator, Chief Creative Officer, Jamie Jefferson, Key Sector Manager for Creative Industries at Skills Development Scotland, David Martin and Hey Girls Founder, Celia Hodson. Additional panellists will be revealed soon.
