WHAT WE DO

StartEast is a business support and grants programme offering a tailored programme of business and artistic support for sole traders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start ups operating in Norfolk and Suffolk.

StartEast is supporting over 350 Norfolk and Suffolk based creative enterprises to grow and is currently unable to take on any new members. However plans are underway for the project to continue and we will share any news here as soon as possible. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear!

StartEast is for creative people who love what they do and want to make a living from it. We offer bespoke, targeted, 1-1 business advice and support, workshops and masterclasses as well as grants of between £1,000-£10,000 to help you grow your business. Our aim is to work with you to build a support structure that is right for you and your cultural enterprise.

We have a dedicated team of advisors and industry experts ready to support you in a range of different ways. Whether you need support to develop an idea or your artistic vision, help with business growth and expansion into new markets, securing new contracts, increasing productivity or turnover, we can help.

We focus primarily (but not exclusively) on the performing arts (theatre, dance, music, outdoor arts, and live art), literature and festivals. We also support specialist creative enterprises including, for example, producers, curators, back stage, technical, costumes, props, and marketing.

StartEast has been developed by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Cultural Board to create a transformational cultural growth programme for the East.

It is funded by Arts Council England and the European Regional Development Fund. StartEast is supported by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and delivered by a team at New Wolsey Theatre.

NOT SURE IF STARTEAST IS RELEVANT TO YOU?

Here are some examples of the sort of roles we can help with.