Video: Former Dragon sets out to train creative talent
Posted by Dan Martin in Business trends on Wed, 27/07/2011 - 13:07
Ex-Dragons’ Den panellist Doug Richard has launched a new strand of his School for Startups initiative aimed at equipping creative individuals with the skills for business success.
School for Creative Startups is focused on helping 100 new London-based businesses in the creative industries start and grow. The programme has been developed in partnership with Westminster City Council which is funding one third of the cost of the course.
The charge for successful entrants who apply is £500 which includes a year's worth of learning.
The creative sector provides 2.3m jobs and contributes £59.2bn to the UK economy but whilst 240,000 businesses in total start up every year in the UK, 280,000 of them fail.
Exclusive video of Doug Richard discussing School for Creative Startups:
Entrepreneurs running businesses from sectors including advertising, architecture, fashion, film and music will receive instruction in areas including how to design great products, how to scale a business and how to secure funding.
The scheme, launched on Tuesday at The Hospital Club in London, has been backed by the government.
Culture minister Ed Vaizey MP said: "The UK's creative industries are a key part of our economy and we must ensure the sector can grow and create new jobs. Providing new businesses in the creative industries with help and guidance is a key part of ensuring the sector continues to thrive.
"The School for Creative Startups will provide early, all-round support and will help entrepreneurs transform great ideas into successful businesses."
"The School for Creative Startups will provide early, all-round support and will help entrepreneurs transform great ideas into successful businesses."
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