Capacity building funding for creative and cultural businesses

To support new and established small creative and cultural businesses in Berwick-upon-Tweed to explore capacity building and business development, Create Berwick has launched a new funding opportunity.

The Creative Capacity Building Fund is designed to equip creative and cultural businesses with the practical tools, knowledge and networks to:

• improve business performance
• expand market opportunities
• increase resilience in a rapidly evolving creative economy.

Who can apply?

The following creative and cultural businesses/organisations/practitioners can apply:

• Micro creative or cultural businesses with fewer than 10 employees
• Volunteer-led cultural organisations’ wanting to build capacity – e.g. establishing posts and new business models
• Creative entrepreneurs and start-ups

What funding is available?

Grant funding amounts of between £5k and a maximum of £10k are available.

The total amount of the Creative Capacity Building Fund is £20k.

What can the funding be used for?

Proposals should outline how a one-off investment will resolve a business development issue and act as a catalyst for business growth and sustainability. These can include:

Business and entrepreneurial skills
Business planning, strategic development, pricing of artwork or services and development of digital/online sales.

Financial management
Support in budgeting, financial planning, diversifying revenue streams and fundraising

Marketing and digital skills
Brand development, marketing strategy, digital marketing and social media engagement, e- commerce and online audience development.

Market access and audience development
Strategies to expand local, regional or national markets, develop partnerships and strengthen client/customer base.

Organisational and leadership development
Strengthening organisational structures including project management, including job creation, safeguarding existing jobs, governance and leadership skills.

How do I apply and what are the deadlines?

Please download the Creative Capacity Building Fund brief (see button below) where you can access a form at the end of the document to construct your proposal.

The deadline for proposals is Friday 05 June 2026. Please return your completed form to Andrea Oliver, Create Berwick Manager, via andrea.oliver@northumberland.gov.uk