Starter for Six: what we learnt

This report looks at what we learnt from our Starter For Six programme which supported creative businesses in Scotland.

This report looks at what we learnt from our Starter For Six programme which supported creative businesses in Scotland.

Key findings:

  • 77% of Starter for Six participants developed new skills or knowledge on the programme.
  • Operating turnover of Starter for Six businesses grew in total by 30% a year following the programme.

The Starter for Six programme (2007) offered creative businesses training and coaching, peer mentoring, aftercare support, and the opportunity to pitch for investment up to £10,000. 

 

Since its launch it has helped establish over 116 businesses, increasing their business turnover by £2m and contributing £1.5m additional GVA to the Scottish economy. 

 

Following a successful 3 year pilot run by Nesta, Starter for Six was mainstreamed through Scottish Government via Creative Scotland’s Innovation Fund and is now run by the Cultural Enterprise Office, for Creative Scotland, who have extended both the programme and the opportunities available for S46 businesses.

 

This report is a combination of findings and case studies of the creative businesses supported over the last five years in Scotland.

 

Author

Nesta