Creative businesses in Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland could benefit from millions of pounds of government funding

A successful bid for the region to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Create Growth programme will see £1.275m in grant funding coming to the area in a bid led by the Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The funding aims to support high-growth potential creative businesses in sectors such as film, gaming, fashion and architecture. Businesses will also benefit from investor engagement through pitching events and investor outreach, and will be able to draw from a fund of up to £7 million being managed by Innovate UK to support them in achieving their growth potential.

Sukhy Johal, Director of the Centre for Culture and Creativity at the University of Lincoln, said:

“We’re delighted to hear of the success for the Create Growth Programme, with over 3500 creative sector businesses across greater Lincolnshire, the investment will provide a boost to the burgeoning ecology, coupled with development of the Barbican Creative Hub on the horizon. This fabulous news underlines our collective commitment in supporting this important and growing sector.”

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy and Place at Lincolnshire County Council, said:

“We know that there can be barriers to some businesses getting the support they need to grow and prosper. We have some fantastic businesses in the creative sector in the county but many don’t have the support needed to scale up and attract investment for growth. This funding means they can get specialist support to overcome those challenges. Yet again in Lincolnshire we’re showing the power of partnerships – unlocking a significant amount of money that can be invested in our businesses.”

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The success of our regional bid for funding from the Create Growth programme is fantastic news for Greater Lincolnshire. The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy, providing significant employment opportunities and economic benefits, and the programme will provide a support package to help our businesses to scale up and access investment in order to grow.”

More information can be found here: Creative businesses across the UK receive funding boost and government backing to spur future growth – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)