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Creative Business Skills Academy

In June 2024, Aesthetica and York St John University successfully delivered the Creative Business Skills Academy, which is a 12 week in person programme designed to support creative founders and small business owners with the practical skills needed to start, grow, and strengthen their enterprises. Over the course of the programme, participants benefitted from structured workshops, masterclasses and tailored business support gaining confidence, clarity and connection across the creative ecosystem. We’re pleased to bring the Academy back in 2026, with 12 funded places available for a new cohort of creatives and creative businesses. This next iteration builds on the success of the previous programme and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting creative talent with professional development that leads to real outcomes. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing creative business, the Academy offers practical frameworks, peer community, and expert insight to help you thrive.

Creativity Makes Places

Creative pursuits enrich culture and play a central role in building thriving, prosperous places. The UK’s creative industries contributed around £125 billion to the economy and supported over 2.4 million jobs nationwide, making them one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors. Creativity fuels economic growth through new business formation, exports, and innovation, while fostering social cohesion, cultural vibrancy, and the development of local talent. The UK’s Industrial Strategy highlights creative industries as a priority growth sector, investing in skills, clusters, and regional creative economies to expand opportunity across the country. Programmes like the Creative Business Skills Academy build capability, spark collaboration, and empower places like York and the wider region to cultivate their own thriving creative futures.

True Economic Impact

The UK’s creative sector continues to thrive, with thousands of businesses turning ideas into successful, sustainable ventures. From innovative design studios and independent film producers to tech-enabled creative start-ups, this diverse community fuels innovation, generates new opportunities, and strengthens local economies across the country. Creative businesses are increasingly shaping the UK’s global reputation for innovation, delivering high-value exports, and creating jobs in sectors ranging from music and architecture to digital media and software development. Many of these enterprises start as micro-businesses, and with the right support, they grow into resilient, dynamic organisations that drive long-term economic and cultural impact. The Creative Business Skills Academy equips founders and creative entrepreneurs with the practical skills, networks, and confidence to scale their ventures successfully. By nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and building sustainable businesses, the Academy ensures that the next generation of creative enterprises continues to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to the UK’s creative economy.

Eligibility

We welcome both new and existing businesses to join the Creative Business Skills Academy. If you have been in business but wish to expand your company, grow your team and expand your offer, the Academy is also for you, alongside those who might just be starting out. You need be able to attend our 12 week course in York in person. If you are not registered for self-employment this will also be part of the requirements to gain a place on the course. We will be actively seeking new applications in early 2026 from those who are in existing businesses wishing to grow alongside those who are just setting up. We will create an amazing cohort of talent in the city and region.