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About Creative Enterprise | Contact Us | Applications Open 27 May
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Screen Launchpad: Business Support Programme for Underrepresented Foundes
Equipping aspiring & early-stage founders from underrepresented communities to build sustainable businesses in the screen industries.
Screen Launchpad is a dedicated business support programme for the next generation of aspiring leaders in the screen industries. We’re seeking passionate individuals from underrepresented communities who are ready to launch their own business in film & TV, games, immersive, animation, or createch.
Described as ‘life-changing’ by one of last year’s participants, this 3-month development programme is designed for professionals with industry experience who are ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Our mission is to tackle underrepresentation in the screen sector by equipping founders with the tools, confidence, and connections to bring their business ideas to life.
This year we will be separating the cohort into two groups according to experience, allowing them to separate for certain content that’s tailored to business stage and share group content and networking opportunities.
Applications Open on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 12pm.
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What Previous Participants Think
Everything feels more achievable. I’ve been given support to identify small tasks to tick off on a path to reaching the bigger idea. The feedback from mentors and other participants has given me the confidence that my idea isn’t completely stupid.
It gave me an understanding of the structure of the industry and helped build my network.
It was a great opportunity to access the holes I have in my business and myself as a founder and the steps I needed to take to move forward. A great potential connection to networking and industry was opened up by being on the programme.
Why take part?
Participants from our first cohort saw transformative results:
- 100% said they felt more confident in the future of their business
- 100% would recommend the programme to others
What is involved?
Screen Launchpad will deliver a series of workshops and 121 coaching sessions with proven industry leaders and mentors over three months.
Participants will take part in:
- 3 x day long in person sessions
You will take part in 3 practical in person workshop days with industry experts. The in person workshops are a great chance to get to know the wider cohort – resulting in a peer network and community that lasts long after the programme has delivered - 3x online half-day workshops
The workshops are intended to give you an overview of the subject matter through a mixture of talks, interactive sessions and group discussion. You will hear from industry experts as well as case studies from fellow founders, learning from their experiences. - 4x one-to-one mentoring sessions
The 1-2-1 mentoring allows you to take your learnings from the workshops and implement them in a way that’s tailored and personalised to your own ideas and goals. You will have the opportunity to choose from a group of inspirational, screen-sector spanning mentors.
Broad topics will include:
- Business models, Planning & Forecasting, Registration
- Your Brand, Marketing, Digital Strategy
- Financial Literacy, Early-stage funding
- Networking & Sales
- Confidence & Founder Wellbeing
Eligibility & Fees
The fee for participation in the programme is £250 + VAT per company.
Creative Enterprise is a BFI Lottery funded programme – overall, the support including group learning sessions, coaching and personalised mentoring you receive during the Female Founders programme is valued at over £5,000 per person.
There is also a bursary (contribution towards travel and accommodation) available for in-person sessions if needed. If you feel like this fee is a significant barrier to your participation in the programme, please speak to Creative Enterprise team to discuss options.
Applications Open on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 12pm.
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Meet The Mentors
(mentors will be announced soon)
Application Process
We want the process to feel thoughtful and two-way. Each stage helps us understand your business, and helps you decide whether the programme is the right fit.
1. Submit Your Application - Complete the online short application form. We ask the basic information about your business and what your ambitions are as a founder. We also collect data for monitoring purposes. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.
2. Invitation to Founder Fit Interview - The applications are then reviewed by the Creative Enterprise team – if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to our Founder Fit Interview. We aim to get back to you within 28 calendar days.
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What is Founder Fit Interview?
This is a conversation to explore whether the programme is the right fit for you and your business at this stage. It’s not a traditional interview but more of a two-way discussion to assess where you’re at as a founder and where you see your business going.
For Female Founders: Introduction to Investment, this conversation will take approximately 45 minutes with our programme manager and one or more mentors. You’ll be sent the questions and topic for discussion in advance.
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3. Second Conversation - In some cases, we may invite you to a short follow-up conversation. This allows us to clarify specific areas of your application and ensure the cohort mix is right for everyone involved. We aim to have this conversation within one week of the Founder Fit Interview
4. Final Decision - All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Successful applicants will receive a formal invitation to join the cohort, programme dates and commitment expectations as well as onboarding details If you’re not selected this time, we’ll aim to provide brief feedback and may suggest alternative support where relevant.
Applications Open on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 12pm.
Join our newsletter
to be the first to hear when programmes open + business support opportunities and exclusive events
More Creative Enterprise Programmes
Our programmes have proved transformational for participating businesses, with an earned reputation for providing intensive support, connections and opportunities to fulfil growth potential.
They are designed by industry leaders to help entrepreneurs working in moving image storytelling - spanning film and television, games, digital content and createch - grow, scale and strengthen their businesses.
Screen Launchpad
Fast Forward
Female Founders
Female Founders: Introduction to Investment
Supported by
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We are deeply grateful for the support of the BFI, National Lottery funding, which makes the work of Creative Enterprise possible. Their commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable screen sector has enabled us to support founders and businesses across the UK, helping them to grow, adapt, and reach their potential.
Thanks to the BFI’s continued support, we have been able to deliver impactful programmes, connect founders with mentors and investors, and help businesses become investment ready. This support has been instrumental in building a stronger, more connected screen business ecosystem, and we are proud to work together to back the ambition of the UK’s screen industries.
Creative Enterprise Newsletter
If you’d like to see more inspiring case studies, founder stories, and opportunities to help your screen business grow, sign up to the Creative Enterprise newsletter. You’ll get updates on our programmes, events, and practical resources straight to your inbox, along with the latest stories from the businesses and founders transforming the screen industries across the UK.
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