New Create Growth Programme – Gaming, Immersive Tech, E-sports and Animation
Further to the success of our latest Create Growth Music cohort, we are delighted to announce that applications are now open for our new Create Growth programme geared towards the gaming, immersive tech (arts / entertainment), e-sports and animation industry.
Starting in November, this programme is here to help Greater Manchester’s organisations navigate today’s competitive landscape, seize new funding opportunities and achieve growth to the next level.
As part of the Create Growth cohort, businesses will enjoy the benefits of:
- Peer-to-peer workshop days with sector specific facilitators
- Masterclasses with industry specialists focusing on relevant sector topics
- 121 support and advice from a Creative Industries Business Advisor
- Networking and opportunities to connect with likeminded founders
Applications and eligibility
Applications: Open from 8th September 2025 – 8th October 2025
Eligibility: Trading in the Greater Manchester area and employing at least 2 members of staff.
Gemma Blades, Programme Manager, Create Growth
GM Creative Industries Mixers
Joining forces with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new series of GM Creative Industries Mixers, kicking off this autumn at Band on the Wall, Manchester!
These mixers are a direct response to key recommendations from the GM Creative Industries Sector Plan engagement earlier this year. They’re designed to bring together freelancers, independent creatives, small organisations, and creative businesses from across all Greater Manchester’s vibrant creative subsectors.
Creative Industries Subsectors include:
Advertising & Marketing, Architecture, Film, Radio & Photography, Design & Designer Fashion, Museums, Galleries & Libraries, Crafts, Performing Arts & Visual Arts, Createch, Publishing, and Music.
What to expect from this event series:
- Sector updates and developments
- Insights from industry experts
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Funding Opportunities
- Showcasing local talent
- Light refreshments
Whether you're looking to grow your network, stay informed, or simply connect with fellow creatives, this event is for you!
Whether you are in the preliminary stages of your business or seeking to expand within the creative and digital sectors, there are tailored support options and various pathways available to assist you in taking the next steps and facilitating growth. Below, you will find information on available funding opportunities.
HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge – Detecting Changes in Authorship
National security-focused funding for solutions that use forensic linguistics and AI to detect changes in writing style, tone, or authorship in online communication. Up to £60,000 is available for Phase 2 applicants.
Who should apply: SMEs and researchers in AI, behavioural science, and secure communication
Deadline: Thursday 25 September 2025 (Phase 1)
Apply here: Challenge details and application
PRS Foundation – Music Funding Opportunities
PRS Foundation is offering three grants to support music creators:
• Open Fund for Music Creators: Up to £5,000 for UK songwriters, composers, artists, and bands to create and perform new music.
• Women Make Music: Funding for female, trans, and non-binary music creators to create new music or develop careers.
• Hitmaker Fund: £5,000–£10,000 for behind-the-scenes songwriters and producers in popular music to develop careers and writing/production.
Who should apply: Music creators, songwriters, composers, producers, and performers across genres
Deadline: Monday 29 September 2025
Apply here: PRS Foundation Funding
Digital Catapult – Black Founders Programme
An accelerator for pre-seed or seed-stage Black-founded companies creating innovative products and services in the digital entertainment industry.
Who should apply: Black-founded start-ups at pre-seed or seed stage in digital entertainment
Deadline: Sunday 5 October 2025
Apply here: Black Founders Programme
Digital Catapult - Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator
Grants for SMEs collaborating with industry adopters to develop and implement digital twin technology. Alongside grant funding of up to £100,000 from Innovate UK, participants will gain access to mentorship, workshops, and specialist support to develop a proof-of-concept and help bring the solution closer to real-world deployment.
Who should apply: SMEs working on or interested in digital twin adoption
Deadline: Friday 10 October 2025
Apply here: Digital Catapult
Roundhouse Trust – Creative Business Accelerator
Support for 18-to-30-year-olds looking to get a creative business idea off the ground.
Who should apply: Young creatives aged 18–30
Deadline: Tuesday 25 November 2025
Apply here: Roundhouse Trust Creative Business Accelerator
Jerwood Foundation Fund – Winter Round
Funding for organisations making art publicly accessible and working with the Jerwood Collection.
Who should apply: Arts organisations and creative projects with public benefit
Deadline: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Apply here: Jerwood Foundation Fund
Space for Metaverse – European Space Agency
Funding to support services that integrate space technologies with the metaverse, ideal for immersive media and creative industries.
Who should apply: Businesses in immersive media, creative tech, or space-enabled applications
Deadline: Friday 14 November 2025
Apply here: Space for Metaverse