Deutsche Bank is supporting the creative industries with the opportunity to gain £10,000 in financing, business training and mentoring. The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprise have been running for over twenty years, and the aim of the scheme is to help arts students navigate self-employment and give them the opportunity to pursue their passions. So far, the Awards have helped to launch over 170 creative businesses. Pardeip Sahota, a Deutsche Bank Mentor and Judge for the competition said of the competition that “I would say that it doesn’t have to be a business. Some individuals may just be looking to finish a specific piece of work, to do some specific research. As long as they can articulate themselves what this business plan is for… Is there a definitive start, end and an output? That is what they are assessed on.”
There are five prizes across five broad categories which the competition is open to. These are Fine Art, Design, Film and Photography, Music and Performance. The competition differs from others of its kind in that your business doesn’t need to already be operating. Final years, postgraduates and recent arts graduates may apply. Submissions can be made by individuals or groups. A body of work should be submitted as your application as follows:
- Your business plan as a PDF on submission (mandatory).
- One image that supports your plan in jpeg format (mandatory).
- You may also upload up to 3 supporting materials such as photographs and illustrations (where relevant) and don’t forget to upload photo credits.
- Links to films or photo galleries that can support your submission.
The deadline for this is Tuesday March 31 at 5pm. Interested applicants may email the Enterprise Centre (enterpriseteam@lancaster.ac.uk) for support and guidance in their applications. Full details of the scheme and where to send your applications may be found here.
