The Creative Business Catalyst pilot between 2008 - 2009 aimed to tap into the skill-base of UK business schools to exploit their expertise in supporting the development of growth in the creative industries sector.

This national pilot programme wasdeveloped by NESTA and HEFCE, in conjunction with a range of project partners including CIDA.

CIDA found and selected creative businesses and supported them as advisors throughout and after the process.

Businesses referred to the programme received a ‘health-check’ as part of a formal selection process which assessed their stage of growth. A small team of MBA students, all of whom had experience within industry, worked intensively with the creative business over a period of between six and 20 weeks (dependent upon the business school curriculum) to undertake a programme of business advice, addressing strategic business needs and providing marketing, personnel and financial advice.

During this period, the project teams received expertise relevant to running creative businesses from the delivery partners, some of whom brought in additional support from creative entrepreneurs as experienced mentors.

At the end of the period the students produced reports which were made available both to the businesses and formally reviewed as part of the students’ academic programme.

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