Highlands & Islands Creative Entrepreneurship Programme
Skillset Creative Entrepreneurship Programme

· Do you already have an established company in the audio visual sector or are an ambitious freelancer with aspirations to build the next super-indie?

· Are you committed to growing your business?

· Do you want to learn more about how to become a successful creative entrepreneur?

· Do you spot new business opportunities but are uncertain about how they fit with your existing business and how to capitalise on them?

· Do you want to learn more about what an investor will expect from a growing company?

· Do you want to learn the practicalities of how to create and implement business, financial and marketing plans?

· Do you want to understand the implications of technological or global economic change on your business?


Creative Entrepreneurship Programme Outline

If you are an ideas driven small company or individual with aspirations to become a growth business in the audio visual sector, this programme is designed specifically with you in mind.

This programme will strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities of those running companies or working in the audio visual industries to increase creativity, innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

The programme consists of 5 interrelated, but independent, workshops that cover the following broad topics:

· Creative entrepreneurship , what it is and how you become more entrepreneurial.

· Business development and financial management and the importance of these to achieving your growth plan.

· Developing a marketing plan and the importance of client relationship management in achieving and sustaining growth.

· Exploring the changes taking place in the sector and what this means for your business and future opportunities created by new media and interactivity.

· Working collaboratively to mutual benefit to build strength and capacity.


This is a programme where you will be encouraged to apply the learning immediately to your business. The programme is not theoretical, it includes practical exercises, industry case studies and presentations from a range of experts as well as tutor input.

This is an opportunity to share your stories and experiences with others and extend your own contacts in the industry.


What will you get out of the programme

· Increased ability to spot and assess opportunities for your business

· Increased understanding of what investor expectations are

· Increased self confidence and awareness as an entrepreneur

· Enhanced management skills that can be used in the day-to-day running of your business

· A planning toolkit that you can use now and in the future

· A real insight into how to succeed in the prevailing business environment


Module Leaders

Module leaders have been selected for their depth and breadth of knowledge and experience and will facilitate your learning in an engaging and productive way.

Programme dates:

Tue 28 Feb - Wed 01 March

Creative Entrepreneurship. Tutor: Joanna Woodford


Tue 7 - Wed 8 March

Business and Finance. Tutor: George McVerry


Tue 14 - Wed 15 March

Marketing and Positioning. Tutor: Ann MacLeod


Tue 21 - Wed 22 March

Anticipating the Future. Tutor: Amanda Cockroft


Tue 28 March

Collaborative Working. Tutor: David Drysdale



The programme will be held in:

Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Cowan House
Inverness Retail and Business Park
Inverness
IV2 7GF

How to apply

Places on this programme are limited, so it is essential that you supply as much information as possible in support of your application - the more you tell us the more we can be sure that the programme will deliver what you expect

Please send us:

A copy of your company's existing business plan - if you have one
Details of your company's annual turnover and length of time in business
A list of recent company credits - broadcast, film or other media
Details of company principals and brief career resumes
Full CV of the individual participating in the programme along with their job title, responsibilities and role in managing the business
Full contact details for the company and applicant
A brief statement (approximately 300 words) clearly stating your business development objectives and why you would like to participate in this programme


Applications should be sent to:

Creative Entrepreneurship Programme (HIE)
Skillset Scotland
249 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 4QE

If you would like to discuss your application or any aspects of the programme please contact:

Alasdair Smith, Director Skillset Scotland and Northern Ireland
alasdairs@skillset.org

Applications must reach us no later than 5pm on Friday 10 February 2006. Successful applicants will be notified no later than Friday 17 February 2006.

The programme fee is £275 and includes all course materials and refreshments.

Successful applicants will be invoiced for the fee by Skillset Scotland and must ensure that full payment is made promptly, prior to commencing the programme.