Insight Out

A Boost for Creative Businesses

Mon 15th Oct

Today saw the launch of Insight Out South West, a business support programme from NESTA and the South West of England Regional Development Agency for entrepreneurs within the creative industries who have a bright business idea.

Open to anyone who is resident in and planning to set up or kick start a recently started creative business in the South West, the programme is supported by and delivered through three centres across the region: Spike Design in Bristol, University College Falmouth and the Enterprise Pavilion, Bournemouth.

All business ideas based within the creative industries will be considered. The deadline for the submission of application is 16 November 2007 and all details can be found on the NESTA website or through www.insightoutsouthwest.com.

There will be up to fifteen spaces available at each centre and after at least 5 days training between January and March next year, candidates will have the chance to pitch for a share of funding and support of up to £10,000. Closing date for application is 16 November 2007.

Mike Gardner, Business Incubation Adviser at the South West RDA said: “Insight Out has worked really well in other parts of the UK and its great news that we are now able to offer this programme within the South West. The best way to deliver this is by building upon an already excellent network of business support provision in this area.”

As part of a national enterprise training programme, Insight Out South West is being part-funded and managed and by the South West of England Regional Development Agency on behalf of NESTA, The National Endowment of Science Technology and the Arts.

Helen Gresty, Executive Director of Innovation Programmes at NESTA said: “Great ideas need to be nurtured and that’s exactly what the Insight Out programme does The entrepreneurs selected will come away from this training with the skills, confidence, and contacts to help turn their ideas into a reality in the region”.