Aesthetica and York St John University are bringing back The Creative Business Skills Academy this Spring, offering 12 fully funded places to creative founders and business owners.
After a successful launch in 2024, the free 12-week in-person programme will run from May 6 to July 29, taking place on Wednesdays from 6-9pm.
The programme aims to equip entrepreneurs with the practical tools, strategic frameworks and industry networks required to build sustainable ventures.
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The Academy supports creatives at the crucial early stages of starting, growing and scaling their businesses.
York is one of just 27 cities worldwide to hold a UNESCO City of Media Arts designation and the Academy aims to use this global recognition to help people get into the creative sector.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation is not simply a title – it is a call to action. The Creative Business Skills Academy is about turning creative potential into sustainable businesses.
“By investing directly in founders and small enterprises, we are building the infrastructure that allows creativity to thrive, generate employment and shape the future of our city. Supporting entrepreneurial talent at grassroots level is how we secure long-term cultural and economic impact.”
The Academy is free to attend and tailored specifically for start-ups and early-stage founders working across architecture, film, fine art, gaming, XR, textiles, fashion and related disciplines.
Each weekly session includes a 1.5-hour practical workshop, a one-hour masterclass led by industry experts, and dedicated time for structured networking and peer exchange.
Key topics include branding, marketing, project management, developing income streams, accountancy, legal frameworks, HR, sales, negotiation, strategy, scaling and growth — core skills that underpin resilient creative enterprises.
Confirmed speakers include: Alison Grade, founder of Mission Accomplished; Farah Hussain, founder of Farah Networking; Kit Monkman, co-founder of Viridian FX; and Cherie Federico of Aesthetica, amongst others. Their collective expertise spans enterprise, publishing, immersive technology, networking and global brand building.
Professor Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School at York St John University, said: “As a university rooted in York, we recognise the transformative role creative enterprise plays in regional prosperity.
“Our partnership in the Creative Business Skills Academy reflects our commitment to equipping founders with the strategic insight, commercial awareness and leadership capability needed to scale successfully.
“By connecting academic expertise with industry practice, we are strengthening the creative ecosystem and ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful economic growth.”
For more details and to apply for any of the 12 free places, go to: https://creativeskillsacademy.org