Bursary Frequently Asked Questions
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General Information
What is the West Yorkshire Creative Export Accelerator?
- Expect Accelerator Training - Workshops, Masterclasses, and Individual Support
- Export Accelerator Bursaries – Funding to help businesses travel to trade shows, expos and rights fairs, to develop international markets, and sell into new markets. Funding between £250 and £6,000 is available.
Eligibility
What types of applicants are eligible?
The programme is open to individuals and businesses operating in West Yorkshire’s creative industries, including:
- Geographic Location: Applicants must have a registered business address or operate within West Yorkshire.
- Business Structure: Sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies are all eligible to apply.
- Creative Industry Focus: Businesses should operate within the creative industries, including:
Eligible sectors include:
Creative Services: Architecture & Planning, Creative Education, Creative Producing, Design Services, Graphic Design, Marketing & Advertising, Product Design, Set Design, Technical Production.
Creative Content: Animation, Digital Content Creation, Gaming / Games Design, Photography, Publishing, Radio & Podcasts, TV & Film.
Creative Original: Arts & Crafts, Creative Writing, Fine Art, Sculpture, Textiles, including Apparel and Fashion.
Creative Experiences: Dance, Libraries, Museums and Heritage, Music, Performing Arts, Theatre.
Creative Digital: App Development, AR & VR, Computer Networking, Convergent Screen Technologies, Software Development, Web Design. - Export Readiness: Applicants must demonstrate either an existing or potential interest in international export markets.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): We expect all participating businesses to demonstrate a commitment to EDI. We particularly welcome applications from businesses led by people from backgrounds that may be underrepresented in the sector.
Can applications include activities inside the UK?
Yes, applications can include activities inside the UK (for example, attending a trade fair in London), provided they demonstrate an international export element that benefits the business or organisation.
Can multiple businesses or individuals submit a joint application for the bursary?
Yes, joint applications are allowed, provided the group demonstrates shared objectives and outlines clear roles and responsibilities for each participant. For example, a consortium of three independent fashion designers could apply together to attend a major international fashion expo. In the application, they would need to specify:
- Each participant's role at the event.
- A detailed budget showing how the bursary will be allocated among the group (e.g., booth rental, promotional materials, and travel expenses).
- A designated lead applicant responsible for managing the bursary and ensuring accountability for spending and reporting.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted through the online portal. The process includes, completing an initial registration form followed by pre-screening to assess eligibility and alignment with programme objectives. Shortlisted candidates will complete a detailed application form.
Can I amend my application after submission?
Applicants can amend their applications before the submission deadline. Once the deadline has passed, changes are not permitted. Please ensure all details are accurate and complete before submitting.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications will not progress to the review stage. However, applicants will be notified and given the opportunity to provide missing information before the submission deadline.
Is the bursary paid in advance or in arrears?
If the award is under £3,000, the bursary is paid upfront. Bursaries over £3,000 will be paid them following the event.
Can I apply for a bursary if I already export or operate overseas?
Yes. Even if you already do a level of overseas activity, if your application explains how a bursary can help you to expand further into new, additional markets and territories, your application can be considered.
For example - if you already supply into Europe, a bursary could support expansion to South Asia.
Can unsuccessful applicants reapply?
Yes, unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent application windows. Automated reminders or personalised nudges may also be provided to guide these applicants toward other relevant support programmes.
Bursary Funding
What can the bursary funding be used for?
The bursary can be used for:
- Trade shows, expos and rights fairs participation (e.g., exhibitor costs, travel, and accommodation).
- International trade networking events (e.g., Department for Business and Trade (DBT)-supported events).
- Development of specific marketing materials (e.g., tailored brochures, web pages).
- Translation services for materials supporting international engagement.
- Attendance at UK-based events, including meet-the-buyer sessions or trade delegations, that have an international focus or export potential.
- Travel and accommodation for export-related activities.
Visas, event passes - Backline hire or similar expenses necessary for demonstration purposes.
Is match-funding required?
For bursaries up to £3,000: 100% reimbursement (no contribution required).
For bursaries between £3,000 and £6,000: 80% reimbursement (20% contribution required).
Bursaries are capped at a maximum of £6,000 per applicant.
Should I apply for the maximum amount of bursary available (£3,000 or £ 6,000)?
Please only apply for the bursary funding necessary for the activity. We have a limited amount of funds available, and value for money will be considered when evaluating your application against other applications.
What happens if I can’t spend the bursary within 6 months?
Bursaries are expected to be spent within the required timeframe. If the event you wish to attend is more than 6 months in the future, then we will accept your application but may defer evaluating your application to a further round, dependant on the amount of interest in the programme/remaining bursary allocation available. If an event is postponed and the re-scheduled event remains within the programme's timescale, the bursary may still be honoured. Applicants should inform the programme team immediately if issues arise.
Can I use the bursary to cover VAT?
Yes, VAT costs are eligible for reimbursement, provided they are directly related to bursary-funded activities.
Can businesses that have previously received funding from the Accelerator scheme reapply?
Businesses that have already received funding may reapply on a case-by-case basis. Each application will be assessed individually, considering factors such as oversubscription and the nature of the new proposal. Priority may be given to first-time applicants if demand exceeds available funding.
What do you mean by trade shows, expos and rights fairs?
- Gamescom (Germany): For gaming and digital content creators.
- Synchmission (Los Angeles): rights licensing for screen and games.
- London Textile Fair (UK): Targeted at fashion and textile innovators, providing opportunities to engage with international buyers.
- Eurosonic Noorderslag (Netherlands): Focused on music and performing arts.
- SXSW Creative Industries Expo (USA): Highlighting innovation across gaming, digital media, and music sectors.
- Frankfurt Book Fair (Germany): international book and subsidiary rights fair.
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival (France): For animation and digital storytelling professionals.
Reporting and Evaluation
What reports do I need to submit?
Successful applicants are required to:
- Submit a progress report with updates on activities and outcomes.
- Provide evidence of expenditure (e.g., receipts, travel logs).
- Participate in a post-programme evaluation survey/case study.
What happens if I fail to meet reporting requirements?
Contact and Support
Who can I contact for support?
For assistance with your application or general enquiries about the programme, contact:
- Programme Team: hello@creativeexportaccelerator.co.uk
- You Can Make It Here Campaign: Visit the campaign website for additional resources and information on supporting creative industries in West Yorkshire.
