Paper Starlights is one of 33 firms currently on DCMS-funded course
Fully-funded programme offers support to growing creative businesses
Applications are now open for East Midlands Cohorts 4 and 5
Selling paper stars from the boot of his Ford Sierra at music festivals was just the beginning of Andy Jupp’s business journey.
Fast forward 28 years and the self proclaimed market trader is embarking on the next phase of expanding his already international business.
Paper Starlights is one of 16 creative companies to recently complete cohort 2 of East Midlands Create Growth.
And Andy is now making the most of the fully-funded support, tailored specifically towards businesses in the creative industries.
“For me, the programme was brilliant,” he said.
“Yes there was an investment of time on my part but I went into it with a specific project in mind and that approach has helped me make the most of what’s on offer.”
And for companies that sign up for the £1.3m DCMS funded programme, there is a lot on offer.
Business owners are invited to a series of workshops delivered by business and industry professionals, have access to at least 4 hours of free support from a specifically selected mentor, the opportunity to complete a 12-hour investment readiness course as well as growing their peer network through allotted time with other delegates.
“I’ve never had any formal business training or education which is something that seems to be quite common among the creative business community.
“The programme has taught me the business language I’ve always lacked – I’ve been doing most of what we were taught to do, but I was just using different words for it.
“In that way I can see how it is helping me get my business investment ready.”
Andy is also absorbing all of the ongoing expertise on offer, while thinking about practical application of what he’s learning.
“I’m taking the time to apply everything to my project – and that means I am seeing results.
“As well as everything else it’s almost like business therapy with a really high quality therapist.
“My mentor has been brilliant and I’m meeting with people I’ve met through the course outside of the course to really get the most out of my new network.”
SMEs from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, Lincoln and Lincolnshire, and Rutland are currently completing cohorts 2 and 3 of the programme.
Those on the course range from marketing and design agencies, makers, architects, theatre companies and video producers.
The aim of the programme, organised and led by the East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²), is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to move creative businesses to investment readiness.
EMC² aims to support 100 creative businesses across three years through four cohort groups. Cohort 2 is recruiting now and will offer a similar level of support to the first group.
Applications for cohorts 4 and 5 of the programme are open now – anyone interested in applying can find out more here.
About EMC²
East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) is a community of business support and creative organisations from around the East Midlands. Members include local authorities, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and many other organisations in the private, public and voluntary sector. EMC² came together through its successful £1.3m bid for the Government’s Create Growth Programme. The bid was led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).
About Create Growth
Create Growth is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for participating regions to provide a bespoke package of support for high-growth creative businesses, and to help them secure commercial investment. Participating businesses gain expert business support to get them investment-ready, facilitating access to additional funding from Innovate UK and commercial investors in 2023 and beyond.
Paper Starlights
Paper Starlights is a Chesterfield-based wholesaler, retailer, producer, distributor and decorator specialising in traditional handmade paper star decorations. They have been sharing the light since 1996. The company is a collaboration of two family businesses from India and the UK with a story that spans two generations and three decades of friendship.
