Creative entrepreneurs from across Scotland have won a share of £150,000 to help take their products and ideas to market.
The 27 businesses to receive funding under the Starter for 6 scheme range from software developers to architecture, fashion, graphic and product design companies.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
“The creative industries make a valuable contribution to Scotland’s economy, generating an annual turnover of £5.2 billion and supporting 60,000 jobs. That is why – during the current financial downturn – we are committed to supporting innovation so that the sector can realise its full economic potential. Starter for 6 does just that – offering additional funds for artists and creative practitioners during these difficult times and giving small businesses a head start in a competitive marketplace.
“Today we can see how it is helping the creative industries to flourish, nurturing talent and creating new entrepreneurs – reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as a land of creativity and innovation. With the dedicated support of the Cultural Enterprise Office and its partners, Scotland’s creative sector is well placed to realise its full potential.”
Starter for 6 was established in 2007 to support and develop micro businesses optimising the economic potential of new starts in the creative sector. Run by Cultural Enterprise Office (CEO), a specialist business support and development service for creative businesses and practitioners, the programme has been funded by the Scottish Government via Creative Scotland’s Innovation Fund since 2009.
To date over 200 businesses have been supported through Starter for 6, many of which have now grown to serve both the UK and overseas markets
In June 2009 The Scottish Government announced a £1 million investment in Starter for 6 for the period 2010-11 through Creative Scotland’s Innovation Fund. In the autumn of 2009 CEO, a partner with NESTA in the programme since its inception, took over full responsibility for development and delivery of the scheme.
