Business Support & Opportunities
New Anglia Growth Hub FREE Events for Norfolk & Suffolk Businesses
Small-group workshops funded by Norfolk & Suffolk County Council’s and Department of Business and Trade open to any business, freelancer, or charity based in Norfolk or Suffolk.
Profit and Progress Programme (3 sessions)
3 x 2.5 hour online sessions on 2, 9 & 16 September 2026
Profit and Progress is a fully funded, three-part online workshop series designed specifically for micro and small business owners in Norfolk and Suffolk who are looking to gain clarity, set achievable goals, and drive sustainable growth.
Get Noticed in a Busy Digital World
7 October 2026, 8:00-12:00, Epi Centre, Haverhill
In today’s competitive online landscape, being visible to the right audience is essential. This practical workshop will explore effective digital marketing techniques to help your business stand out, increase online visibility, attract more customers, and build a stronger digital presence. Gain actionable insights and tools you can apply immediately to improve your marketing results and support business growth.
Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Norfolk FREE Events
Networking: Sales vs Marketing for Small Businesses
7 August 2026, 10:30-12:00, Attleborough Library
In this practical and straight-talking session, Recheda Smith explores one of the biggest misunderstandings in business growth: the difference between sales and marketing. You’ll learn how to focus on the activities that actually generate leads, and how to build a marketing system that supports sales.
24 August, 10:00 – 15:00, Online
Start-Up business workshop for people who are between the ages of 18-30, or individuals who are military veterans, who are either planning to start a business or have a business that has been running for less than 24 months. This one-day online workshop will help you to gain key skills to start your business – covering self-employment, finance, digital marketing and more.
The Still Room – Start Up Series – Keswick Hall, Norwich
Second Thursday of each month, July to December 2026, Time: 8.30-10.30, Tickets: £20
The Start Up Series is a monthly business breakfast for people running their own businesses, those just starting out, and anyone keen to learn what it takes.
13 August – Showing Up Online: LinkedIn, Google Business and social media for your sales process.
10 September – The Details: legal, insurance and accounting essentials for small business owners. 8 October – Growth: funding, finance and team planning for the future.
12 November – Selling Yourself and Your Service: confidence, communication and speaking about your work with clarity.
10 December – Moving Forward: reflection, reassurance and clarity to end the year well.
South Norfolk Business Builder Programme
The Business Builder programme is aimed at supporting South Norfolk based businesses to invest and grow, and in turn help to growth the local economy. There are several levels of support available:
Foundation support: supporting people with a great business idea in South Norfolk to prepare, plan and start their own business.
Build Up Grant: Funding of up to £1,000 aimed at entrepreneurs who have either just started trading or the business is less than two years old, to support the growth and development of their business.
Development Grant: Funding of up to £5,000 for more established businesses that have been trading for at least two years and are seeking a grant for a specific business need to support the growth and development of the business.
Small Capital Grant: Aims to encourage and support capital investment projects (costing between £2,000 and £10,000) by providing part funding towards proposed capital expenditure, up to a maximum grant award of £5,000.
Capital Grant: Aims to encourage and support capital investment projects (costing more than £10,000) by providing part funding towards proposed capital expenditure, up to a maximum grant award of £20,000.
Creative Enterprise FREE Summer School for Screen Businesses
Trade Talks: Summer School for Screen Businesses is a four-part online series, presented by leading industry experts, designed to help screen creatives, producers and entrepreneurs strengthen the commercial side of their practice.
Building a Resilient Screen Career: Audience, IP and Commercial Strategy with Alex Stolz – 5 August, 13:00-14:00
Packaging Meets Financing: A Producer’s 60-Minute Toolkit with Neil Chordia -12 August, 13:00-14:00
From Idea to IP: Building a Screen Brand in a Multi-Platform World with Georgina Hurcombe MBE & George Caton Coult – 19 August, 13:00-14:00
How I Raised £550k from Friends, Family, Angels & Crowd with Gabriel Isserlis – 26 August, 13:00-14:00
Creative Industries Investor Database
As part of the Create Growth programme, a comprehensive list of investors within the creative industries has been developed, with a specific focus on the sub-sectors they invest in. This resource enables founders and key stakeholders across the creative start-up ecosystem to better understand the funding landscape.
MENTA – DEEP (Digital Enterprise Engagement Programme)
The DEEP initiative focuses on bridging the digital divide for individuals and Businesses across Freeport East, encompassing Suffolk areas such as Felixstowe, Ipswich, Stowmarket, and Sudbury, as well as Essex locations Harwich and Clacton. MENTA will be delivering a series of full-day online workshops designed to help businesses build confidence in their digital skills and improve how they promote themselves online. These interactive sessions are ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and start-ups looking to grow their digital presence and reach new customers.
Mapping Finance for UK Creative Businesses
Want to know what finance is available to grow your creative business in the UK? The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has produced an overview of the current financial sources available to creative businesses at different stages of growth.
East of England Creative Industries Board
The East of England Creative Industries Board was set up in 2025, in order to strengthen the Creative Industries’ voice and influence in East Anglia, to increase investment into the regional creative sector, support innovation, skills development, and business growth. The Board will foster collaboration across sub-sectors, places, and institutions, and enhance the national and international profile of the region’s creative industries.
Fully funded, short, online business start-up & self-employment courses.
Fully funded, short online courses that provide uncomplicated, useful information and guidance for anyone who is in the process of setting up a business or simply just exploring the idea.
MENTA -Business Start-Up Support Programme
MENTA’s Startup Programme is the go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs (within the first 12 months of trading) across Norfolk and Suffolk, offering a blend of expert guidance, practical workshops, and tailored support.
MENTA Southwold Business Surgeries
Empowering East Suffolk Entrepreneurs to Succeed
MENTA are running fully funded, in person 1-2-1 30 minute sessions with one of their business advisers at their @inc Southwold site. This is a valuable opportunity for businesses in East Suffolk to ask questions and receive advice tailored specifically to you and your business.
The business surgeries will be held on the first Thursday of every month. There will also be quarterly networking with a variety of guest speakers.
Become a member of FUSE Network – Connecting Norfolk’s Social Enterprises
FUSE Network has launched a free exclusive membership offer for social enterprises active in Norfolk. By joining you’ll receive: a FREE Listing on the FUSE Social Enterprise Directory, a fortnightly members newsletter, early access to booking events and workshops and a FUSE Network Member digital badge.
An international programme providing funding and support for developers, artists, storytellers and innovators to create immersive 3D, gaming, educational or marketing experiences on the VIVERSE platform. The programme will consider a wide range of contract values, from indie projects less than $2,000 to studio projects greater than $100,000.
Norfolk BIPC Start-up Programme
Delivered by trainers from MENTA Business, the programme takes place over one day and covers key aspects of starting a business: business planning, marketing, bookkeeping and the journey to net zero. It’s for people aged at least 16 and looking to start a business, and early-stage businesses (up to 24 months old). You (or your business) will need to be based in Norfolk.
British Library Get Ready for Business Growth Programme
Are you an entrepreneur with ambitions to grow? The British Library can help you take your business to the next level with the free programme, Get Ready for Business Growth, which offers online workshops, one-to-one guidance from top business experts and bespoke research for your business.
The FREE NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level. The programme specialising in wrap around support provides one-to-one coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. It is open to all business owners, you do not have to be a NatWest customer.
Digital Springboard – Helping Businesses in East Suffolk
The Digital Springboard programme launched by MENTA, on behalf East Suffolk Council, offers free digital support to businesses in East Suffolk who may need help with creating or improving their website, online shop or social media presence.
BT Sustainability for Small Business
The BT Sustainability programme, delivered by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT, is a free six-week, online CPD Accredited programme offering vital sustainability training to small businesses. The programme starts on 9 September will help entrepreneurs understand and make the most of the incredible opportunities that sustainability can bring.
Start, Build and Grow Business Programme
Start, Build and Grow is a FREE programme created for businesses in Ipswich, providing fully funded tailored support for participants to start and grow their enterprise and help to develop their business knowledge and skills.
The programme has been developed by Ipswich Borough Council in partnership with Business Growth Coaches Network, AMS Business Consultants and the University of Suffolk and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme
Small Business Britain is excited to deliver the Small & Mighty programme to help grow small businesses with expert guidance and mentoring.
This six-week programme to supercharge sole traders and micro businesses, concludes with a growth plan to support the next year of business opportunity. It will be delivered entirely online, allowing access from anywhere in the UK with flexible learning enabling opportunities for all.
Sign up here to find out about the next round of Small & Mighty programme.
Apprenticeships Norfolk Support for Businesses
Apprenticeships Norfolk are committed to support Norfolk businesses who are looking to share their apprenticeship levy or those who are looking for additional apprenticeship funding through a levy transfer, encouraging circular economic benefits – keeping skills funding in Norfolk.
British Business Banks Start Up Loan Scheme Administered by Nwes
Nwes is the Regional Business Support Partner in the East of England and London for the British Business Banks Start Up Loan scheme.
A Start Up Loan is a personal loan of between £500 – £25,000 for business purposes for a term of 1 to 5 years at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and be starting a new business or have been trading for up to 36 months.
Nwes offers all applicants a one day Start Up Loan Virtual Workshop to work alongside its trainers and network with other entrepreneurs whilst producing a business plan and cashflow.
Help to Grow: Management Course with Norwich Business School
Help to Grow: Management is a 12-week applied course supporting managers and leaders of small and medium sized businesses. Delivered by Norwich Business School, the programme is accredited by the Small Business Charter, with funding support from HM Government. The course costs £750 and will be delivered with a mix of virtual and face-to-face classes.
Broadland & South Norfolk Business Builder Programme
The Business Builder programme provides funding advice and training to help local businesses to grow and prosper. Providing investment and support for new and existing businesses to help aid the economic growth of South Norfolk and Broadland.
Each local authority receives separate funding allowing Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council to support businesses from this programme.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Climate Leaders Programme
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Climate Leaders programme aims to educate, enable and support SME businesses to seek and apply appropriate, tested actions and activities that will put them on the path to net zero.
Norwich Eco Hub CIC aims to provide a ‘hub’ for people, social enterprises, charities, community groups and small businesses to meet, work and collaborate, to help build a more resilient and environmentally sustainable local economy.
Carbon Charter Website – A business pathway to net zero carbon
The Carbon Charter provides support and recognition to small and medium sized businesses that commit to and adopt carbon reduction measures and sustainable business practices throughout Suffolk and Norfolk.
Game Anglia – Games Development in East of England
Game Anglia is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that helps the young people and independent game developers in the East of England get the connections, skills and experience needed to succeed in the UK-wide and international game development industry.
New Anglia Growth Hub Free Business Support
New Anglia Growth Hub’s business advisers offer free support and guidance for businesses, they can help you find out more about the latest Government schemes and a range of local initiatives and funding schemes.
Go Digital is for micro, small and medium sized businesses based in Norfolk who want to make better use of digital tools to help them grow.
Opportunities
New Anglia Growth Hub has launched Suffolk’s High Streets Matter, supported by Suffolk County Council, strengthening local economies by supporting the shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels and market‑town businesses that give our high streets their character. The programme helps businesses stay resilient, competitive and future‑focused. All Suffolk small businesses are welcome, but priority will be given to the following focus towns: September – October programme 2026 – Beccles, Brandon and Mildenhall. Register your interest for 2026.
Norfolk’s High Streets Matter continues its work strengthening local economies by supporting the shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels and market‑town businesses that give our high streets their character. The programme helps businesses stay resilient, competitive and future‑focused. All Norfolk small businesses are welcome, but priority will be given to the following focus towns: September – October programme 2026 – Wymondham, Holt, Watton and Wells-next-to-the-Sea. Deadline for applications: 2 September 2026.
The Corn Hall Diss: Photography & Videography Brief
The Corn Hall Diss is seeking a photographer and/or videographer to create a high-quality
library of images and video content to support the promotion of the venue for private hire.
Global Incubator Programme – Video Gaming, Canada (Montreal)
Innovate UK is seeking up to 8 high potential video gaming companies to join a Global Incubator Programme in partnership with La Piscine, a global innovation centre for the creative industries sector located in Montreal, Quebec. Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation and group airport transfer fees for successful applicants. One representative from each company will be funded. Deadline: 14 August 2026
Three-month accelerator for UK creative tech start-ups and SMEs using AI, offering workshops, mentorship, user testing, cloud credits and a £5,000 stipend to help take prototypes to initial validation. Deadline: 18 August 2026
UK Music 2026 Creators’ Survey
UK Music has launched its annual Music Creators’ Survey aimed at UK-based artists, musicians, DJs, vocalists, songwriters, composers, producers, and engineers. By completing this survey, you are enabling UK Music and its member organisations to be more effective in speaking to government about the issues that impact you.
Barclays Eagle Labs Scaleup Programme
A curated four-month hybrid programme, including four in person workshop days, designed for high-growth UK tech companies ready to tackle the challenges of scaling. Through expert-led workshops, one to one support, peer learning, and tailored connections this programme is built to help you take your Scaleup to the next level. Deadline: August 2026
Eagle Labs Funding Readiness Programme
Many founders and entrepreneurs are confused by the funding options available to them. This programme will help them to navigate the funding landscape better by demystifying the funding journey and providing founders with the skills and knowledge they need to fund their business growth. Opens for applications: 24 July 2026, Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse: Bespoke Heritage Theatre Performance Commission
Supported by funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse are commissioning a new heritage performance piece to tell the story of Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse through key moments in its 250-year history as a House of Industry, Workhouse, and Care Home. Deadline: 31 August 2026
Open Call: International Touring & Environmental Responsibility Programme 2026
An open call for arts organisations and individuals to take part in developing sustainable, inclusive and just models for international touring. The programme is designed for venues, organisers, touring companies, and individuals from the performing arts sector including dance, music, theatre in England, Scotland, Norway and Denmark. Deadline: 1 September 2026
Brandland is evolving into a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. A new Membership Programme will play a vital role in making Brandland sustainable and provide the stability they need for the next stage. Participate in their short (5 minute) survey for the chance to help build something that’s making a real difference to the creative landscape in our region.
Skills England – Annual Report
Skills England has published its first Annual Skills Report, highlighting growing demand for skills across priority sectors, including the creative industries.
Social Enterprise Day Showcase 2026 – Social Enterprises
19 November 2026, 10:00 – 16:00, Carrow House, Norwich
Book a stall to showcase your work!
Join other social enterprises exhibiting throughout both Old and New Carrow House, creating a full-building showcase and a vibrant visitor journey across the site. £40 per stall or £20 per stall for FUSE Network or Norwich Unity Hub members.
Discover Creative Careers is bringing together young people, educators and industry across the UK to open doors, build connections and create new pathways into the creative industries. Join the Movement – Share your expertise, build your future talent pipeline and gain recognition through industry engagement, placements and partnerships.
Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Strategy Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music national strategy will support and expand the country’s music industry, introducing a range of funds, programmes and policy initiatives designed to drive growth, widen access and reinforce the sector’s global competitiveness.
Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board: Culture Value Statement
With devolution and local government reorganisation reshaping the region’s governance landscape, the NSCB launched a Culture Value Statement in Westminster on the 8 June, to ensure arts and culture remain central to those decisions, rather than being retrofitted later.
The statement outlines five principles that the NSCB believe are vital for the region’s future:
- Culture has value in its own right
- Culture belongs at the heart of public life
- Culture is a shared responsibility
- Culture should be available to everyone
- Culture must endure
If you share these five values about the role of culture in public life and in the new public institutions being built in Norfolk and Suffolk, please add your support via this quick online form.
Arts Council England Strategic Framework 2026
Arts Council England’s Strategic Framework 2026 has been published, replacing Let’s Create. It sets out how ACE will prioritise work, design services and make investment decisions while ongoing work continues consulting and developing a new strategy.
Film and Video Umbrella – FVU:LAB
A research and development residency (including a £500 bursary) for four UK‑based emerging moving‑image artists to work with cutting‑edge technologies at Nottingham Trent University’s new Design and Digital Arts building, either to explore R&D or support the development of a specific work.
Support for R&D and Innovation in Creative Industries Micro Firms
This Creative PEC State of the Nations Research Report presents the evidence that creative industries micro firms are almost 20% more likely to engage in Research & Development (R&D) than firms in other sectors. The findings suggest creative industries micro firms have a vital role to play in driving innovation, which is key for helping the government achieve its productivity and growth ambitions.
Register Your Interest – St. Saviours Yard, Norwich
A Vibrant Container Hub for Independent Retailers, Makers & Creatives
St Saviour’s Yard (brought to you by Meanwhile Creative) offers a flexible and sustainable workspace in the heart of Norwich. Providing local entrepreneurs, artists, artisan makers and boutique stores with a new and vibrant destination to work, showcase and trade from.
Collusion’s New ART // TECH // PLAY Membership
Are you an artist, creative technologist, producer, or just someone who loves exploring art and tech? Then the ART // TECH // PLAY membership may be for you! Connect, experiment, and share ideas with an online community of like-minded creatives, all while helping to nurture new projects and talent. Members get access to bi-monthly virtual meetups, news about jobs and opportunities and a 5% discount on Collusion’s services. £5 a month via Patreon.
Need some help working through an idea, a funding bid, or help with that bit of software or equipment to get your project over the line? Collusion can offer expert guidance, support with research & development, and introduce you to different creative technology options to move your organisation, project or idea forwards.
Innovate UK BridgeAI, in partnership with PwC, has launched the AI Skills Hub – a national platform to accelerate AI adoption and workforce readiness in key UK sectors. Empowering organisations to responsibly harness the power of AI. Bridging the divide and shaping a sustainable future for businesses and developers in the UK.
The Moosey Scheme, based at Moosey Norwich, 3 Labour In Vain Yard, Norwich, NR2 1JD, is a completely free monthly professional development programme for artists at all stages of their careers focusing on the business side of the art world. By sharing their 10+ years of experience in navigating contemporary art, the monthly programme offers artists a space to learn how to price work, approach galleries, package artwork etc. The programme starts on the 1 March 2025, email: info@mooseyart.co.uk.
WorkWise for Screen supported by the BFI is a pilot to support screen businesses and employers to prioritise equality, dignity and respect in the workplace and sector specific guidance on the government’s incoming Employment Right’s Bill.
Wellbeing in the Arts Support for People in the Creative Industries
Wellbeing in the Arts support people across the creative industries to look after their mental health and wellbeing by offering access to a wide range of industry specific services, including Mental health and wellbeing support, counselling, coaching and artist supervision.
Norfolk Screen is the official Film Office for the region and provides a dedicated service that promotes Norfolk as a screen-friendly county in the East of England, showcasing locations, talent, services and facilities. They are committed to growing the local screen sector by developing, supporting and promoting a thriving TV, film and digital media industry and culture within Norfolk, and providing opportunities for the local film making community. Sign up to the Norfolk Screen Newsletter to keep up to date with all the latest announcements.
FREE Creative Careers Guide from I Like Networking
Looking to build a career in the creative industry? Get the inside track from experts on how to build a creative career path that works for you.
Creative Enterprise Screen Growth Course
A FREE dynamic and innovative self-paced online course designed to empower creative entrepreneurs in the screen industry. This course, Created by Creative Enterprise, funded by the BFI and the National Lottery, will equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the creative business landscape, providing the key building blocks for a successful and sustainable screen enterprise.
Troop: Artist Membership Scheme, Cambridge Junction
Troop is Cambridge Junction’s Artist Membership scheme for performance makers living and working in Cambridge or the East of England, with benefits and opportunities designed to build the community of artists and support the quality of work being produced regionally, and to help develop the local scene. Membership costs £20 for a year and gives the following benefits: scratch nights and performance opportunities, creative masterclasses & practical workshops, space & time to develop work, networking and advisory sessions.
Emerging Creatives Professional Network – FLOCK!
Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Young Creatives programme is driven by FLOCK – a network of young people, aged 18-25 across East Anglia. Delivered with and for young people, FLOCK sets out to support Young Creatives – future arts leaders. Joining FLOCK will give you the opportunity to network, develop creative skills, meet like-minded individuals, and access Bursaries for Young Creatives.
Events
Save the date! Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board Summit
21 October 2026, Ipswich Corn Exchange
More details to follow soon.
The Audience Agency Audience Development Workshops
A series of online, interactive, practical workshops led by expert consultants exploring phases of the audience development cycle. You can book just one workshop, or any combination.
Design thinking for Audience Development – Designing and Testing: 16 Sept 14:00-16:00
Design thinking for Audience Development – Reviewing and Adapting: 21 Oct, 14:00-16:00
FUSE Network CIC Social Enterprise Workshops
Introduction to Bid Writing for Social Enterprises Workshop
12 August 2026, 13:00-17:00, 301 King Street, Norwich
Discover how to identify the right pots of money, learn how to apply and discover some top tips for what funders look for.
August Social Enterprise Coffee Morning @ The Garage
28 August 2026, 10:00-12:00, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich
Join the FUSE Network for a friendly, welcoming and relaxed networking event to chat about all things social enterprise.
Norwich BID – City Conversations Conference 2026: Shaping a Better Norwich, Together
17 September 2026, 08:30 – 12:30, The Halls, Norwich, Free
This year’s conference will bring together businesses and stakeholders to reflect on the progress made so far, explore the impact of projects delivered across the city, and discuss the opportunities, ambitions and priorities that lie ahead for Norwich.
Norfolk Community Foundation Workshops
Let’s Talk About Grant Fundraising with Richard Felton
17 September 2026, 9.30-11am, Norfolk Community Foundation, Norwich
Richard Felton, an established and skilled charitable trust and foundation fundraising specialist, shares his grant fundraising expertise in this bespoke workshop. Bookings open on 3 August.
Creativity Unbound: Ask Us About… Marketing 2026
21 September 2026, various times, online
Marketing Sessions: Need help with your VCSE’s design, marketing, or fundraising? Book a session with Creativity Unbound!
Social Media 101 with Natasha Burr Wilby from Vesper House
24 September, 10am-12pm, Norfolk Community Foundation, Norwich
Join Natasha Burr Wilby from Vesper House for a fun, hands-on social media training session.
Data Analysis Workshop with Norse
19 November, 10am-2pm, Norse Group, Norwich
Turn your data into stronger funding bids, better reports and clearer evidence of impact.
North Norfolk Cultural Partnership Meeting
22 September 2026, 10am-1pm, Wells Maltings, Wells-next-the-Sea, Free
Bringing cultural partners together for a morning of networking, shared learning and collaboration. As part of the programme, NNCP are inviting members to share 2027 projects, programmes, or events that offer collaboration opportunities for other creatives across North Norfolk. If you would like to be considered as a speaker, please complete the short Expression of Interest form.
7 October 2026, Burgess Hall, Cambridgeshire
The East Anglian Festival Network (EAFN) Show is a free, one-day annual event bringing together hundreds of event professionals from across the East of England. There are conference sessions where professionals discuss key topics and a trade exhibition where those involved in the industry can share expertise, network and identify new opportunities that can benefit their businesses, the environment, the events industry and the regional economy. Registrations for delegates and Applications for Exhibition Stands are now open.
Norfolk Chambers’ of Commerce B2B Exhibition 2026
8 October 2026, 10:00 – 16:00, Norfolk Show Ground
Now in its 28th year, B2B 2026 returns as the must-attend business exhibition on the regional calendar. With over 100+ exhibitors and 1,500+ attendees, this is your opportunity to connect, showcase, and reach your target audience. Whether you’re a startup looking to make a splash or a seasoned brand ready to expand your reach, B2B 2026 delivers face-to-face access to your next customer, partner, or supplier.
Visit North Norfolk 2026 Business Conference
12 November 2026, 10:00 – 14:30, The Lady Elizabeth Wing, Holkham Estate, Members: free, non-members: £120
The conference provides a great opportunity to network with other businesses, find out about plans for promoting the destination in 2027 and hear the latest insights and data around the north Norfolk visitor economy to help you shape your own marketing. This year’s guest speaker is Benjamin Mee, motivational speaker and author or ‘We Bought a Zoo’.
Upcoming Online FLOCK Sessions
FLOCK is Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s network for East Anglia–based creatives aged 18–25.
Learn how you can Harness the Power of Crowdfunding
Creative UK has collaborated with Crowdfunder to deliver a free masterclass workshop advising how creative businesses can harness the power of crowdfunding for their work and projects. Watch the recording and see what the expert panel had to say.
Business in Motion – Norwich Theatre Professional Development Series
Business in Motion, a brand-new professional development series that will use theatre skills and creativity to provide hands-on, impactful training for local business professionals.
Introduction and Production Calculator Webinar dates now available. Sign up for free on the Theatre Green Book website.
Artswork Online Project Management Courses
Sharpen your project management, planning, and evaluation skills with frameworks tailored for the creative, cultural & heritage sectors. Choose from bite-sized lunch & learns to half-day introductions, all delivered online.
Arts Council England R&D Fund for Individuals Webinar
The new National Lottery Project Grants Research & Development (R&D) fund gives individuals the opportunity to apply for funding while the Developing Your Creative Practice programme is paused until April 2026. A webinar exploring the fund is now available to watch, alongside further information on their website.
FREE skills and training for creative companies and freelancers. Government-funded, industry-focused, human-led training for the games, screen and creative industries. As approved providers of Skills Bootcamps, nationally and regionally, Mastered provide quality, well-structured, funded-training to eligible individuals and studios, including:
Business Skills for Creatives and Freelancers
Places are allocated through an application process.
B:Sessions are Brandland’s series of networking events based in Norwich. Consisting of monthly sessions run by Team Brandland’s industry experts.
Norfolk Game Developers Events
Norfolk Game Developers are a welcoming community for local game creators of all experience & backgrounds.
The Crafts Council team support and champion UK craft businesses throughout every stage of their journey. With thanks to its business skills supporter Cox London
Introduction to Climate Change Awareness Course
A free, online course has been launched to support individuals and businesses to learn about the impacts of climate change and improve their understanding of environmental issues facing communities in Suffolk and beyond.
itc: independant theatre council Training
itc training courses are designed to provide you with a resilient toolkit of essential skills and specialist knowledge needed to run a performing arts company successfully.
Artsadmin Creative Support Sessions
Free one-to-one support service for UK-based artists working in contemporary performance, at any stage of their career. Sessions are informal and artist-led, offering an opportunity to talk about anything from artistic ideas and project development to funding and contexts for your work.
Digital Culture Network Events
The Digital Culture Network has developed a series of FREE webinars to support arts & cultural organisations and businesses.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Events
A series of FREE virtual events which support businesses to restart, rebuild and renew.
Funding
ACE Creative Foundations Fund Round 2
Capital grants from Arts Council England for not-for-profit creative and cultural organisations in England to restore, retrofit or renew buildings, equipment and infrastructure. Expressions of interest close on 17 July for grants above £1 million to £10 million, and on 7 August for grants of £100,000 to £1 million.
PRS Foundation PPL Momentum Music Fund
Grants of £5,000-£15,000 for UK based artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers. Activities eligible for support include recording, touring and marketing. Deadline: 10 August 2026
Innovate UK: Next Wave: Breakthrough Wave 1
Innovate UK funding for UK-registered businesses to share up to £10 million for Createch industrial research projects aligned with the Industrial Strategy. Projects must focus on commercial digital platforms and services in one of the following frontier industries: video games, advertising and marketing, film and TV or music, performing and visual arts. Deadline: 11 August 2026
British Council Connections Through Culture 2026
Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available for collaborations between at least one UK-based partner and one eligible international partner. Designed to enable meaningful partnerships, cross-cultural exchange and long-term collaboration between the UK and participating countries. Deadline: 12 August 2026
International Distribution Video Game Release funding. Growing exports and global demand for UK independent narrative video games, enabling them to secure wider and higher profile releases. You can apply for between £5,000 and £50,000 towards the eligible costs. Deadline: 14 August 2026
Love Your Market Town Grants – Norfolk
Call for creative events and activities to celebrate Norfolk’s market towns. Love Your Market Town offers between £1,000 and £5,000 to town councils, local groups and businesses for events, town trails, themed festivals and other activities that are designed to inspire people to visit and shop in their local towns. The scheme is supported by Norfolk County Council, and the district councils and applicants have until 31 August to submit their initial ideas.
ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Bursaries for Senior Development Roles
Funding of up to £3,000 for producer-level and above unscripted TV development professionals between contracts or on short contracts. Apply by 19 March 2027; rolling assessment and limited funding.
Department for Work and Pensions: Youth Jobs Grant
New funding for businesses who take on jobless youngsters in the latest boost to youth employment support. Employers can claim £3,000 if they take on an eligible young person who has been out of work for six months. To apply for the Youth Jobs Grant, employers must complete an online application, they will receive funding in two instalments once employment and earnings have been verified by DWP.
SWEF are offering business grants for young entrepreneurs aged between 18 – 30 and living in Norfolk, to set up or grow their business.
Start-Up Grant – Grants of up to £500 for Norfolk-based young entrepreneurs to launch their business. Funding can support initial costs such as essential equipment, materials, stock, website building, product development and training.
Business Grant – Grants of up to £2,000 for Norfolk-based young entrepreneurs with established businesses that have been trading for less than 2.5 years, and have a monthly turnover of more than £500, to help transform their business.
UKGF is run by UK Games Talent and Finance Community Interest Company a non-profit organisation with the remit to support the UK’s early stage games development and digital interactive business and creative ecosystem in terms of both companies and individuals. there are three funding categories:
Starter Fund – grants of up to £20,000 available to newly formed companies with limited track records but strong potential for growth. Closed for applications.
Prototype Fund – grants of up to £100,000 for prototyping new games. Closed for applications.
Content Fund – grants of between £100,000 and £250,000 are available to take games forward to completion and enable studios to scale up. Open for Expressions of Interest.
BFI: Short or Feature Film Festival / XR Showcase Travel Grant
BFI offer grants to help Short and Feature filmmakers, and XR creatives, travel to international events where their work is being presented. Including:
Short Film Grants – attendance at an eligible festival to support a short film screening, for new/emerging writers or directors and for producers of any experience level.
Feature Film Grants – attendance at an eligible festival to support a feature film, for lead producers.
XR Grants – attendance at an eligible festival/showcase event with an interactive/immersive /XR project, for XR creatives.
East Suffolk Council: Heritage Open Days 2026 Small Grants
East Suffolk’s heritage sector already hosts several Heritage Open Days events and East Suffolk Council would like to show their support with a small grant programme, to enable more venues to take part, broaden participation and to support organisations to work together across locations. Rolling deadline until 14 July 2026 (or until funding has been allocated).
Government Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle charge point sockets at their sites. Open to businesses, charities and public sector organisations, the scheme offers up to £350 per socket towards costs, aiming to cover 75% of total purchase and installation expense. The funding programme is currently available and will run until 31 March 2027.
As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing Norfolk’s business community, Jarrold launched the Jarrold Growth Fund in 2024. A pot of £100,000 is released every year to Norfolk businesses looking to propel their growth. To further support those businesses in meeting their growth ambitions, Jarrold provides access to specialist expertise both from within Jarrold Group and from their associates.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this Scheme is delivered by Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and West Suffolk Council. The scheme aims to provide support to businesses across Suffolk to grow and become more productive, to encourage innovation and to become more environmentally sustainable through small grants to local SME businesses. Businesses can apply for grants between £5,000 and £10,000, with a maximum grant intervention of 50%.
Business Growth Fund – Norfolk
Norfolk County Council has created a special fund providing grants between £5,000 and £50,000, supporting businesses with an ambition to grow. They are looking for projects that will have a positive impact on Norfolk such as a creating a unique offer, attracting more business into the area, developing export opportunities or increasing productivity. Our Norfolk team of High Growth advisers can help assess your project and if it is eligible they can support you with the application and offer follow on business support.
Breckland Council: Reopen Scheme – A Meanwhile Enterprise Grant
Are you a business owner or part of a community group looking for space in Breckland? Or perhaps you’re eager to showcase your business at a local market day?
Breckland Council is offering grants of up to £8,000 through the Reopen Scheme – A Meanwhile Enterprise Grant to help launch, grow, or bring your business to our high streets.
There are two types of grants available:
Vacant High Street Shop Grant – up to £8,000
Market Town Stall Grant – up to £1,000
New Creative Crowdfunding with 0% Fees
Crowdfunder and Creative UK have teamed up to support the UK’s creative and cultural sectors and with 0% platform fees for creative projects, you’ll keep more of the funds you raise.
Arts Council England – Supporting Grassroots Music Fund
Grants of up to £40,000 are available to support the transition of artists, bands and industry professionals in England to sustainable careers in music, as well as the development of new audiences.
Jam Jar is an early-stage European consumer venture capital firm, founded and run by the team behind Innocent. Jam Jar Investments specialise in early-stage companies across the UK and Europe, providing investment and expertise to help them grow. Investment of between £500,000 and £5 million is available. Pitches can be submitted at any time.
Mid Suffolk Town Centre Shopfront Scheme
Grants from £500 to £10,000 are available for small businesses in specific town centre locations in Mid Suffolk to enhance the visual appeal of premises and to increase local pride in the high street.
Breckland – UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Grants
Grants of up to £5,000 are available (covering up to 75% of eligible costs) are available to businesses in Breckland to repair and renovate their shopfront, as part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme. Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
Mid Suffolk District Council – Community Asset Fund
Grants of up to £100,000 for rural community groups and social enterprises to purchase community assets in Mid Suffolk (except Stowmarket). Expressions of interest forms are accepted at any time and are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme will close when funds are depleted.
Do you have a great idea to bring people together, celebrate your community, or improve life in your local area? The Norfolk Community Fund backs community-led projects that make Norfolk a better place to live. Such as a creative project, community event or something that supports wellbeing or the environment. If your idea fits, you could receive a grant of up to £2,500 to help make it happen.
Rural England Prosperity Fund
Businesses in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk are invited to bring forward capital investment projects that would have a significant impact on their business and local communities. Grants are available up to £50,000 with maximum funding intervention of 50% of the total cost. Register your interest to find out more and if your project is eligible.
The Suffolk Economy Grant (SEG) aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with funding for digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability.
UK Games Fund- Content Funding – Open for Expressions of Interest
DCMS has announced continued support for the UK Games Fund as part of a joint plan between the Government and industry to drive growth, build talent and develop skills across the creative sectors. This funding will offer £50,000 – £150,000 commercial games-for-entertainment content grants.
Social Investment Business – Flexible Finance Fund
Flexible grants (of £50,000 to £200,000) and loans (of £50,000 to £1.5 million) are available to support Black and Racially Minoritised charities and social enterprises in England that need funds to help them to grow and and become more resilient.
Counterpoints Arts x Climate Spring Fund
Funding is available to support the early-stage development of feature films and TV projects that explore how climate change drives displacement and migration.
BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund
Funding of between £12,000 and £150,000 is available to organisations to deliver creative or talent development programmes over three years in the UK.
A range of funding solutions crafted specifically for the UK’s female founders. Female Founder Finance is dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs who have faced challenges in securing funding.
Venture capital funding is available to early-stage UK companies. Investment is typically between £1 million and £3 million. Small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the following sectors are eligible for support: Creative, Technology, Healthcare.
Royal Literary Fund – Hardship Grants
Emergency funding for UK professional writers affected by cost of living difficulties or unforeseen expenses.
Society of Authors – Access Fund
Small grants of up to £150 are available to support UK authors to attend events, residencies and retreats. Support may be accessed at any time.
Secured and unsecured business loans of up to £300,000 for UK SMEs, with flexible repayment terms, no early repayment charges, and potential access to British Business Bank guarantee schemes.
The Suffolk Economy Grant (SEG) aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with funding for digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability.
Funding is available to UK grassroots music venues, artists and independent promoters to support projects that foster development and growth. Funding is provided at the discretion of Music Venue Trust
East Suffolk – UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Youth Enterprise Grant Scheme
Grants of between £250 and £500 are available to young entrepreneurs in East Suffolk to support capital investments, growth, productivity improvements and efficiency gains. Applicants need to be enrolled with either East Coast College or Suffolk New College on their enterprise courses to be eligible.
Energy Resilience Fund for Not-for-Profits in England
A mixture of grant and loan funding is available to support community organisations and social enterprises in England to install energy saving measures or technology and purchase energy efficient or environmentally friendly vehicles or equipment. Funding of £25,000 to £250,000 is available via a blend of grants (40%) and loans (60%). Applications can be made at any time.
Innovate UK Collaborative R&D Creative Catalyst Competition
UK registered businesses can apply for grants between £150,000 and £200,000 for projects that develop new innovative products and tools for the UK creative industry. Deadline: 29 January 2025 (11:00).
BFI Doc Society Funding
The BFI Doc Society Funding supports and nurtures independent non-fiction films and immersive projects by UK filmmakers: prioritising expansive, director-led storytelling, the funding is intended to be transformative and representative of all UK society.
Research & Development (RAD) Fund – Award requests of less than £5,000 for early development.
Features Fund – Awards between £25,000 – £150,000 for any project stage.
Suffolk County Council Culture Project Fund
Suffolk County Council has a new £500,000 fund to support cultural projects delivered after 31st March 2025 and completed by 30 September 2026. The fund supports capital and revenue projects.
A fund to help SMEs, charities and public sector organisations in England train new apprentices and upskill their existing workforce. The Fund will provide access to £4 million in apprenticeship funding over four years, designed to support up to 550 apprentices, it has a particular focus on developing digital skills, aligning with BT’s emphasis on technology. Support may be accessed at any time.
British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
This scheme supports access to finance for small and medium-sized UK businesses, so they can grow and invest. The maximum facility value is between £1m & £2m. The scheme is available for businesses until the end of March 2026.
British Council Film Travel Grants Fund
Grants of up to £7,000 available for UK filmmakers and XR creatives to support travel to selected international festivals and showcase events, labs, and co production forums. Grants can be used for travel, accommodation, disability access support and participation fees. This is a rolling fund with no specific deadlines.
A ScreenSkills bursary is a cash grant for people age 18+ to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you’re in. You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development.
Creative Debuts Black Artists Grant
The Black Artists Grant (BAG) is offered by Creative Debuts as a no-strings attached financial support to help black artists. The grant of £500 can be spent on whatever they want – be that to make new work, buy equipment or materials, travel, research, visit exhibitions or conferences, or to even just cover some life expenses.
Creative Growth Finance Investment Fund
Creative UK and Triodos Bank have launched the new £35 million Creative Growth Finance fund to offer loans of £100,000 to £1m that will help businesses to grow. The fund is aimed at established creative industries businesses working in Film, TV, Media, Immersive and Video Games, Advertising & Marketing, Digital & Creative Tech, Creative Software Solutions, Fashion, Architecture, Music and Publishing in the United Kingdom who are looking to scale-up and grow.
North Norfolk – UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Grants are available to local enterprises (£10,000 – £100,000) in North Norfolk to invest in capital projects, such as the refurbishment of buildings, small capital build projects or the purchase of equipment, tools or machinery to expand growth, move towards net zero or diversify business activity.
Creative Enterprise Business Builder Grants
Grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. With grants of up to £2,500, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth.
DCMS UK Games Fund Content Fund
Creative developers and start-up games studios in the UK can bid for grants to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders. Funding can be used for staff and contractor costs for hands-on development activity. £5 million is available over 18 months (from September 2023) to get games ready to release. Individual grants of between £50,000 and £150,000 will be awarded.
Development Grant and Support, Broadland District Council
Grant funding to encourage and support the growth and development of established micro businesses and SMEs within the Broadland district. Grants of up to £5,000 are available (up to 50% of eligible costs).
Build Up Grant and Support, Broadland District Council
Grant funding of up to £1,000 to encourage and support entrepreneurs with the development of newly started businesses within the Broadland district.
Help Musicians – Touring and Live Support
Financial support of up to £5,000 is available for professional musicians in the UK towards the cost of performing live and touring. Support may be accessed at any time.
The Eaton Fund – Grants for Artists
Small grants of up to £300 are available to support visual artists, including art students, resident in the UK with making a one-off specific purchase to support their work.
Jim Jackson Enabling and Educational Foundation
Support is available to help disadvantaged young people between the ages of 16 and 24 in the south and south east of England become successful by enabling them to pursue their own aims to enter the world of business. Support is in the form of education, mentoring and funding. Applications can be made at any time.
Grants 4 Norfolk
Looking for funding? Try the FREE Norfolk County Council search facility serving both businesses and communities. Local, regional and national funding opportunities available. Register here.
News
Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board
The Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board is An independent collaborative of culture leaders, coordinated by Norfolk & Suffolk County Councils.
Website: https://norfolksuffolkculture.co.uk/
Email: norfolksuffolkcultureboard@gmail.com
Government Announcement: Creative Businesses to Benefit from New Finance Package
The government has announced improvements to funding opportunities for creative businesses in the UK. The measures form the latest part of delivering on the Creative Industries Sector Plan – and mark a step change in how public finance institutions support the sector.
Research: High-Growth Potential Firms in the UK’s Creative Industries
New research published by the AHRC-funded Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) shows that the Creative Industries account for almost a tenth of UK firms classified as having ‘high-growth potential’, higher than 5.1% and 2.4% respectively for Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing.
The Big Freelancer Survey Report 2025
The latest Big Freelancer Survey has identified a ‘crisis of low pay’ in the performing arts workforce, with 44% saying they earn less than the living wage and a third saying more than half the hours they worked were unpaid.
The Brandland Phenomenon – Mapping Norwich’s Emerging Branding Cluster
This pioneering research from Brandland and BOP Consulting is the first of its kind in the UK. Mapping the true size and value of the branding industries across both Norwich and Norfolk. Download the full report to find out how Norwich has become a national hotspot for branding, and what’s next.
Creative Industries Sector Plan
The UK Government has published the Creative Industries Sector Plan, part of its new Industrial Strategy. The Plan will ensure that the UK is the number one destination worldwide for investment in creativity and innovation and aims to significantly increase investment by 2035.
The State of the Arts report, from Campaign for the Arts (CFTA) and the University of Warwick, analyses changes in arts funding, provision, engagement, education and employment between 2009-10 and 2022-23. CFTA has also launched a local arts funding tracker, which details the change in funding of arts, heritage and libraries in each local authority.
Reframed: A new policy agenda for the visual arts
Latest policy for visual arts from the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN).
Norfolk Arts Service: The Arts in Norfolk an Overview 2021-22
Norfolk Arts Service’s latest annual report, The Arts in Norfolk: An Overview 2021-22, has been written for use in a wide range of internal and external contexts to advocate for the role, value and contribution of the arts in Norfolk and to illustrate the significant economic, social and health-related impacts achieved by sustained Norfolk County Council arts investment.
The report highlights the outstanding contribution that our arts organisations, community arts groups and artists have made over the last year. Read the report here.
Creative PEC State of the Nations Research Series
Creative PEC’s new ‘State of the Nations’ series, uses the latest data to inform policymakers on how best to support the creative sector across four thematic areas. The first report ‘Geographies of Creativity’ shines a light on the role of microclusters in the creative industries, and explains why creative clusters are good targets for intervention and investment, and a key engine for economic growth in the UK. Read more.
Cultural Mobility Funding Guide
This updated edition of the Funding Guide, published by On the Move with Arts Infopoint UK, gathers and presents information on the organisations and programmes that provide financial support to artists and culture professionals who wish to travel internationally for their work from and/or to the United Kingdom as well as British Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories. Download the guide here.
New Plans for the Future of UK’s Creative Industries
The Government and the Creative Industries Council have published their vision for the UK creative industries, an ambitious plan to grow the sector by £50 billion and support a million more jobs by 2030. Key areas addressed include strengthening creative clusters, supporting talent development, and aligning education with industry needs. Read the Vision here.
CULTURE DRIVES IMPACT: The Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board Manifesto
This Manifesto sets out the shared ambition of the Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board (NSCB) for culture to drive impact as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and as we foster opportunities for long-term renewal. It is based on an 18-month journey which has involved consultation, listening and development to explore the priorities and aspirations of the cultural sector in and across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Manifesto and New Anglia LEP Cultural Strategy Evidence Report can be downloaded here.
The Creative Industries and the Climate Emergency
The AHRC-funded Creative PEC and Julie’s Bicycle have published the first ever sector by sector overview of climate and environmental sustainability in the creative industries.
From advertising to visual arts, it looks at each sub-sector’s environmental impact, charts a path to sustainability, highlights obstacles to progress, and sets out priorities for research and support. Read the report here.
How and why rural creative businesses cluster together, Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Cente (PEC) led by nesta
New research published by the PEC – in partnership with the National Innovation Centre
for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) – finds that creative micro-clusters are spread widely across
England, with around a third of all rural creative firms operating within a cluster. They have also developed an interactive map tool that lets you explore the rural creative
microclusters.
Creative UK Report
The UK Creative Industries is the first report of its kind, exploring the power and potential of the UK’s creative industries to regenerate places, rebuild the economy, drive innovation and create jobs in all parts of the UK. Read more
