Tweet: Job opportunity! We're looking to recruit a Finance Manager to make sure that financial resilience is central to th… https://t.co/DocieMJVT6
Tweet: Job opportunity! We're looking to recruit a Finance Manager to make sure that financial resilience is central to th… https://t.co/DocieMJVT6
From jewellery design and plastics recycling to the development of augmented reality installations, The Factory is host to a community of makers, innovators and entrepreneurs channelling their creative energy into new prototypes, products and income streams.
MADE continues the tradition of previously delivered projects including Making It and The Network for Creative Enterprise and offers emerging and established businesses the support, advice, equipment and training needed to thrive as a creative business.
Since The Factory began, we’ve worked with funders and development partners including WECA (West of England Combined Authority), Watershed, Outset, and the University of the West of England (UWE) to deliver bespoke business support and talent development initiatives.
In 2020, The Factory is delighted to announce the launch of its first initiative under the MADE programme, which is proudly focused on our home turf: South Bristol.
MADE in South Bristol is a new support programme for emerging and established creative SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and entrepreneurs. With making at the heart of The Factory, we want to inspire the creation of new creative businesses who are empowered to turn their ideas into reality.
With COVID-19 changing our working and personal lives dramatically, more and more people are considering alternative sources of income. Individuals who had not previously considered selling creative products are now exploring this as a viable lifestyle and economic choice. Existing business owners are considering how to enhance and expand their businesses but need the support to be able to achieve sustainable results.
MADE in South Bristol is an ideal opportunity if you live in South Bristol , are aged 18+, and:
– Are interested in making and want to gain new skills
– Want to explore turning your creative hobby into a business
– Have an idea and want to develop prototypes and products
– Are an existing creative business owner/freelancer in South Bristol in need of support to build and grow your business
MADE in South Bristol provides a unique blend of face to face activity and interactive online sessions including hands-on workshops, mentoring, networking events and guided access to The Factory’s digital fabrication equipment. Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of 12 hours training within the programme.
MADE in South Bristol has two offers available:
1.For individuals who currently do not own a business, but are interested in starting one, and have ideas they want to develop. It is also for people who want to explore creative entrepreneurship in a supported way. This is all about kick-starting ideas! Participants will dig into the creative process behind developing ideas, whilst learning how to build a business around their idea and making it work for them.
2.For creative businesses currently trading looking for advice and guidance around growth, well-being, and resilience. This can include individuals who are registered as self-employed. Build Up Business will commence in January/February 2021. For existing businesses, the programme will provide workshops around scaling up, markets, success and failure, and sustainable practices.
The first MADE in South Bristol programme starts mid-November 2020 (week beginning 16 November) and will be for individuals who currently don’t run a business and want to explore creative entrepreneurship. The MADE in South Bristol programme for existing businesses will start from January/February 2021.
Sound like it’s the programme for you? You can apply using the online forms below:
Apply to MADE in South Bristol: Individuals Exploring Creative Enterprise
Apply to MADE in South Bristol: Existing Creative Businesses
If writing is not an accessible format for you or you prefer not to write, please contact Emma at The Factory and she’ll help fill out the form.
Alternatively, you can record yourself answering the questions by speaking into your phone (either video or audio). If you prefer to record video or audio, your recording should be no longer than 5 minutes. E-mail your video / audio file application to Emma Boulton (emma.boulton@kwmc.org.uk) and include which strand of the programme you’re applying to in the title of your e-mail.
Join us for our informal MADE in South Bristol video meet-up on Thursday 29 October at 12:30pm where we will introduce the programme and answer your questions. To register email Emma Boulton: emma.boulton@kwmc.org.uk.
Don’t worry for you can’t make the session on 29 October! You can also e-mail Emma if you would like to pose a question privately or for more general project information ahead of the launch.
A document of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MADE in South Bristol are available here.
MADE in South Bristol is delivered by KWMC The Factory as part of South Bristol Enterprise Support (SBES), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and West of England Combined Authority Investment Fund. SBES is delivered in partnership by Bristol City Council, YTKO, School for Social Entrepreneurs, The Prince’s Trust and KWMC The Factory.
