FAQs: Creative Business Mentor Network

What is the Creative Business Mentor Network?
Who is eligible?
Do I need to be a registered company to apply?
Which creative sectors are eligible to apply?
What do you mean by 'established' business?
If successful, how would I pay the £200 fee?
I'm a start-up business can I apply?
Why do you ask for a video?
Will the video be made public?
Do we have any involvement in selecting our mentor?
What happens if we feel the mentoring is not working?
When will interviews take place?
Where will the interviews be held?
Can I change any of the information in my application form once I've submitted it to Nesta?
Can I submit more than one application?
I'd like some personal mentoring is that possible?
Will there be any training on how to get the best out of our mentoring time?

  

What is the Creative Business Mentor Network?
The programme gives creative companies the benefit of one-to-one mentoring from successful business people from within the creative sector.

Who is eligible?
A list of eligibility criteria can be found here.

Do I need to be a registered company to apply?
Yes, you will need to be a registered UK company.

Which creative sectors are eligible to apply?
We are looking for companies from the following sectors: Digital Media, TV, Film, Advertising and Games.

What do you mean by 'established' business?
Minimum of 18 months trading. 

If successful, how would I pay the £200 fee?
This is a volunteer mentor programme however a £200 administration fee is required if your application is successful. We will send you an invoice and contract. 

I'm a start-up business can I apply?
No, this programme is not designed for start-ups however we have develop a useful toolkit if you are thinking of starting a creative business. More info here 

Why do you ask for a video?
It is an opportunity to make your application jump out from your written application form.  

Will the video be made public?
Nesta will share your video with mentors but if you choose to publish on a private platform we will not share it with anyone without your permission.

Do we have any involvement in selecting our mentor?
No, we will be profiling both companies and mentors and match-make accordingly.  To ensure you get the right mentor it's important you are honest and open about your business and why you need a mentor.  

What happens if we feel the mentoring is not working?
For a variety of reasons sometimes the mentoring relationship doesn't work out.  Nesta will support you throughout the programme and ensure that if an issue does arise you and your mentor have the full support of the Nesta team.  

When will interviews take place?
The interviews will take place from the 27th September to the 5th October.

Where will the interviews be held?
London and Manchester 

Can I change any of the information in my application form once I've submitted it to Nesta?
No. Unfortunately once submitted you cannot change any information.

Can I submit more than one application?
No, so make your proposal count.

I'd like some personal mentoring is that possible?
This is a business mentor programme.  The mentors will focus on the needs of the business rather than the individual. 

Will there be any training on how to get the best out of our mentoring time?
Yes, we will provide you with advice and training on how to use your time with the mentors effectively.