Creative Export Accelerator Bursary Funding.
Your Journey to Global Success.
Funding available between £250 and £6,000 to help businesses travel to trade shows, expos and rights fairs, to develop your international markets, and sell into new markets.
Step 1:
Let’s Get Started.
Step 2:
Check Your Eligibility.
Review the programme’s eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify. To join the Creative Export Accelerator, you must:
Be based in West Yorkshire.
Applicants must have a registered business address or operate within the region.
Operate within the Creative Industries.
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.
Be an SME or Freelancer:
Freelancers, sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies can all apply.
Demonstrate export potential.
Applicants must show an existing or potential interest in international markets
EDI Focus.
Applications from underrepresented groups are highly encouraged.
Step 3:
Apply for Bursary Funding.
Bursaries Available - Up to £3,000 or £6,000:
- For claims up to £3,000: 100% reimbursement (no contribution required).
- For claims between £3,000 and £6,000: 80% reimbursement (20% contribution required).
Eligible Uses of Bursary Funding:
- Travel and accommodation for export activities.
- Visas, event passes, and backline hire.
- Marketing and promotional materials.
- Participation in international trade shows, expos, rights fairs and networking events.
What’s Not Covered:
- Salaries or general operating expenses.
- Capital costs (e.g., building repairs, equipment upgrades).
Step 4:
Participate in World-Class Events.
Gamescom (Germany):
- Europe’s premier event for gaming and digital content creators, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts.
- Visit website
London Textile Fair (UK):
- The UK’s leading platform for fashion fabrics, clothing accessories, and textile innovation.
- Visit website
SXSW Creative Industries Expo (USA):
- A convergence of gaming, digital media, and music innovation, offering global networking opportunities.
- Visit website
Annecy International Animation Film Festival (France):
- The world’s leading festival for animation professionals and digital storytellers.
- Visit website
South By London (UK):
- A national event connecting creatives with international investors and collaborators.
- Visit website
Reeperbahn Festival (Germany):
- Europe’s biggest club festival, focused on music, digital culture, and international collaboration.
- Visit website
Future Fabrics Expo (UK):
- A sustainability-focused event showcasing innovative and ethical materials for the fashion industry.
- Visit website
AWE (Augmented World Expo, USA):
- The top global event for AR/VR and immersive technologies, advancing digital content creation.
- Visit website
Step 5:
Reporting and Evaluation.
Provide Evidence of Expenditure.
Include receipts and documentation for reimbursed expenses.
Participate in Programme Evaluation.
Share your feedback through surveys or case studies to improve future iterations of the programme.
Step 6:
Join the Creative Export Movement.
