Have you got a business idea and need support getting it off the ground? Have you recently launched a unique creative business, either on your own or as a small team, and you need that extra push to transform it into a sustainable career and business?

This programme is for you.

About the programme

The Roundhouse Creative Business Accelerator programme is Roundhouse’s flagship 5-month course specifically designed for businesses in the creative industries. Through weekly workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, pitch practice and peer-to-peer learning, we will get you ready to take yourself and your creative business to places you’ve been dreaming about.

As part of your place on the Accelerator, you will get a free Roundhouse Works membership, offering access to a fully equipped workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi and all the essential tools necessary to build your business. You will also receive free tickets to our ‘Self Made Live’ events, where you can listen to inspiring talks by business and creative leaders and meet more like-minded creatives.

At the end of the programme, you will take part in a pitching evening where you will present your business to industry professionals for the opportunity to secure support.

You should apply if:

You have recently started your own creative business OR are in the early stages of your creative business, be it part-time or full-time, and you’re seeking assistance in crafting a business plan and discovering pathways for growth.
You have established a brand that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others, and you have some traction through sales or customer engagement, but you don’t know how to create a cohesive brand identity so that your business can thrive and not just survive.
You are able to dedicate at least two days a week to the programme for its 12-week duration. One of those days will be mandatory and on the other, you’ll be expected to either work on your business or work on the programme workshop deliverables.
We are keen to welcome applications from social impact companies.

What is an example of who can apply?

You’re a company of one, you’ve started making money out of your creativity and you think that you can scale it to a business that has employees. But you don’t have access to the right information and experts to help you do that.

or maybe…

You want to turn your side hustle into your main hustle. Maybe you run a blog with a partner, or you put on events with a colleague, perhaps you design and make your own clothes. Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s starting to gain traction and you think it can be a fully fledged business but you need help to make that happen.

THIS OPPORTUNITY IS NOT AIMED AT FREELANCERS:

Freelancers earn money from what they do by working with clients and organisations
Freelancers earn money from what they do but without a long-term commitment to any one employee
Solo entrepreneurs work alone, but instead of working for other companies and trading time for money, they are building a business they can run entirely on their own.

If you’re still a bit confused about whether this is for you, check out our video.

If you join the Accelerator, by the end of this programme you will have…

Created a business plan
Developed pitching skills and produced a polished deck
The skills to talk to potential investors, partners and/or funding bodies
Developed practical business skills from experienced mentors and experts
Developed transferable skills, such as digital skills, presenting, networking & collaboration
Benefited from peer-to-peer learning and support
Created opportunities to reach new markets and generated new leads

What is included in the Roundhouse Creative Business Accelerator?

A dedicated day every Tuesday for pitch training and curated workshops hosted by industry experts with cash prizes
Free Roundhouse Works Membership
Business Mentor from Livingbridge
Participation in the Roundhouse Self Made Masterclass events at no cost
1:1 surgeries with business professionals
One-on-one support from the Roundhouse team
Final evaluation day at Spotify HQ
A Pitch Evening at the end of the programme with the opportunity to compete for a cash prize

How to apply

Apply Monday 25 November, 10am using our online form

Interviews: Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December
Project Dates: Weekly on Tuesdays, 14 January 2025 – 6 May 2025
Price: Free to apply, £25 for the programme. Pay only if selected.