Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub urges creative businesses across the region to express interest for free Investment Readiness Programme

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub urges creative businesses across the region to express interest for free Investment Readiness Programme

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub is calling on creative businesses across the region to take advantage of a fully funded Investment Readiness Programme designed to help them scale and succeed.

Delivered by Creative East, the programme offers 20 places for a September cohort based in Cambridge. From architecture firms to software companies, eligible SMEs in the creative industries are invited to express their interest.

Funded by the UK government and running until March 2026, the programme provides tailored support to help businesses become investment-ready. Each participant will receive one to one guidance from a Senior Advisor, alongside a range of tools and networking opportunities.

The programme benefits are:

• 10 weeks of in-person sessions (one day per week)
• Expert advice from a dedicated investment advisor
• Workshops, pitch practice and peer-to-peer support
• Access to investors and a thriving creative business network.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of 12 regions to secure funding for this initiative, reflecting the area’s growing reputation as a hub for creative innovation.

Creative East has successfully delivered similar programmes across the UK, with a mission to connect creative businesses to the resources, expertise and networks they need to grow. Their approach fosters a collaborative community of regional businesses, leaders, offering a supportive environment to explore new opportunities.

Interested businesses are encouraged to express interest now to secure their place in the September cohort. Click here to express interest in the Investment Readiness Programme.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“This is an opportunity for creative businesses to get fantastic, dedicated support that’s fully funded. Our Growth Hub is there to help businesses expand, connecting them with expertise and resources. If you run a creative SME and want to prepare for investment, what are you waiting for? Express your interest and get on the Creative East programme.”

Saffron Myhill, Investment Funding Manager at Creative East said;

“This is a brilliant programme for founders in the wider creative industries who are ambitious and want to understand all the options for growing and scaling their company and raising funds to do so. I urge any founders to apply to join this programme whilst it is still fully funded.”