Enterprise Support

MADE (Make, Access, Develop, Enterprise) is the new enterprise support programme at The Factory.

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 previous projects including Making It and The Network for Creative Enterprise and offers enterprise beginners, and emerging and established businesses the support, advice, equipment and training needed to start and thrive as a creative business.

Dedicated Support for South Bristol Creatives

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 creative enterprise programme for enterprise beginners, 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.

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.

Who is it for?

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 starting a creative business or learning about creative enterprise

– Like support to create and test ideas and products

– Are an existing creative business, freelancer or sole trader looking support to grow your business.

The Programme

MADE in South Bristol will be delivered through interactive and engaging group workshops, using a mix of collaborative online tools, like Miro and Google Jamboard, and in person sessions. On top of workshops there will be one-to-one sessions, mentoring and coaching, networking events and guided access to The Factory’s digital fabrication equipment.

*UPDATE* Due to the November 2020 national COVID-19 lockdown, the first MADE in South Bristol activities in 2020 were delivered online. To accompany online learning The Factory produced accompanying workshop packs.

MADE in South Bristol has two strands click the links below for more information:

Exploring Creative Enterprise (Pre-start): For beginners and those ready to kick-start a business and explore creative enterprise. This strand is especially designed for individuals who are currently not running a business but interested in starting one. The course provides a guided introduction to the design processes, streamlined approach to business basics, space to explore and prototype your ideas. Next course starts February 2021.

Growing Creative Businesses (Existing businesses): For creative businesses, sole traders and freelancers currently trading looking for support to grow their business and ideas. Includes a mix of workshops, prototyping and mentoring. Begins February 2021.

When is MADE in South Bristol happening?

The first MADE in South Bristol programme, Exploring Creative Enterprise, starts from Friday 20 November. The Growing Creative Businesses strand for existing creative businesses will start in January/February 2021.  

Get Involved!

Sound like it’s the programme for you? You can apply using the online forms below:

MADE in South Bristol: Exploring Creative Enterprise 

 

 

 

Apply to MADE in South Bristol: Growing 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.

Want to learn more?

A document of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MADE in South Bristol are available here.

We will be hosting future drop in sessions to learn more about the programme and answer your questions. We previously held an informal session 29 October to introduce and launch the programme.

To register your interest in attending a drop in session email Emma Boulton: emma.boulton@kwmc.org.uk

These online events will be held on Jitsi. You do not need to download Jitsi to join in and it does not require an account. Details will be forwarded to you after sign-up for how to join in. Please email Emma with any access requirements or technical questions.

Credits