There are 12 places available.

We accept applications from people working across an expansive range of creative fields, including, but not limited to:

Animation, Architecture, Crafts, Design, Fashion, Film, Game Development, Performing Arts, Photography, Visual Art, VFX, XR

Participants must be resident at an address that falls within the boundary of either the City of York Council or North Yorkshire Council. If you are outside of the boundary, please get in touch as you may still be eligible.

Participants will be selected via a holistic approach, taking into consideration:

• Previous education
• Previous experience
• A clear business ambition and passion for what you do
• The relevance of your business to the Academy
• The scope and breadth of your business proposal and its potential

Yes, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews will be held via Zoom week commencing 20 April.

To join the Academy you do not need to be registered as self-employed. However, you will need to register as self-employed by the end of Week 2. Guidance will be provided.

You are welcome to apply for the course. 

Yes, existing business owners are welcome to apply. The course is designed for start-up businesses and existing businesses who are looking to grow and thrive.

There are 12 places available.

The Academy will take place over 12 weeks, with 3 hours of guided learning each week. It will take place from 6-9pm on Wednesdays from 6 May.

Each week you will need to attend:

• One workshop (x 1.5 hours)
• One masterclass (x 1 hour)
• 30 min for networking and break each session
• Each week will focus on a different topic, developing key skills that will help you to establish and grow your business.

All sessions, both workshops and masterclasses, will take place in the Creative Centre at York St John University. 

All sessions are in-person. It will not be possible to join sessions virtually.

Sessions will take place on the following dates and times:

Wednesdays from 18:00-21:00

Sessions will follow this timetable:

• 18:00-19:30 – Workshop
• 19:30-20:00 – Break and networking 
• 20:00-21:00 – Masterclass

6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 June (no session half term), 10 June, 17 June, 24 June, 1 July, 8 July, 15 July, 22 July, 29 July

• Getting started and defining your goals
• Writing your business plan
• Branding and marketing
• Creative project management
• Innovation and generating new business opportunities
• Developing income streams
• Building your profile
• Accountancy, legal compliance and employer responsibilities
• A practical introduction to AI
• Sales and negotiation
• Strategies for growing your business