StartEast Programme 2017-2019
StartEast began as a £1.2 million project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Arts Council England Creative Local Growth Fund. It was developed by the New Anglia Culture Board as part of its strategic ambition to make Norfolk and Suffolk places where enterprising, creative people can start up and build sustainable cultural enterprises.
The StartEast programme was managed by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council and delivered by the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. StartEast provided targeted, specialist business support to cultural and creative SMEs and potential entrepreneurs in Norfolk and Suffolk over a two and half year period.
Independent evaluators BOP Consulting were commissioned to complete the programme evaluation; you can visit the link on this page to download the Final Evaluation Report, which provides a detailed overview of the impact of StartEast and key learning points to take forward.
Our website and newsletter are a key part of the StartEast programme legacy, providing sector news, up to date information on alternative business support providers in the region and a searchable database of creative entrepreneurs.
To learn more about the StartEast programme and the businesses we supported, please visit our Archive page.
