News article
That's a wrap! York creatives celebrate success of city’s first Creative Business Skills Bootcamp
Published: 17 October 2024
- Featured
- Business
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/news-and-events/images/news/Aesthetica-website.jpg)
York St John University has partnered with award-winning arts and culture organisation Aesthetica to deliver the first Creative Business Skills Bootcamp. This unique and impactful support package is designed to offer the next generation of entrepreneurs a progression route into the creative industries.
The free training programme worked with creatives to help them to launch, sustain and grow their arts, culture and media businesses across York and North Yorkshire. It was delivered in partnership with Aesthetica, the Combined Authority and York Business School at York St John University.
York is one of only 26 cities in the world to hold UNESCO City of Media Arts status. This designation is in recognition of the quality of Media Arts in York, sitting alongside global destinations including Austin, Texas; Sapporo, Japan; and Toronto, Canada. The partnership aims to leverage this status to encourage more start-up businesses, create more jobs, alongside talent and skills development in York and the wider region.
The fully funded Creative Business Skills Bootcamp ran for 12 weeks, 5 hours per week over two evenings, supporting creatives to develop and launch their businesses.
The programme covered key topics including: Branding, Marketing, Project Management, Developing Income Streams, Networking, Accountancy, Legal, HR, Sales, Negotiation, Business Planning, Scaling and Growth.
The cohort benefitted from world class speakers including: Pablo Ettinger (Founder Caffé Nero), Edward Twiddy (Founder Atom Bank), Helen Marriage (CEO Artichoke), Helena Jones (Ay-Pe), Cherie Federico (Aesthetica), Kit Monkman (Viridian FX) and more.
All attendees have now been offered 12 months rent-free space at the Enterprise Centre at York St John University to support that crucial first year.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica said: “The idea to for the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp was developed in response to Aesthetica celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company was founded in 2003 when myself and the Co-Director Dale Donley, were students at York St John University. Since then, the company has expanded to include a portfolio or publications and events such as the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and the Aesthetica Art Prize, along with the Reignite series of events in York. I wanted to take my experiences and look at how we can support, train and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs in the creative industries, and how we can make York a centre for creative excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity and so proud of our first cohort. I hope this is the start of many more Bootcamps to come.”
Dr Brendan Paddison, Interim Dean of York Business School at York St John University said: “Working with Aesthetica to deliver the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp has been transformational.
"The Bootcamp has enabled the next generation of entrepreneurs in the creative industries to bridge the gap between creativity and business acumen, equipping the cohort with the tools to turn their vision into a sustainable success, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation in the creative industries here in York and beyond.
"We look forward to working with Aesthetica to support and develop more programmes that drive change and further economic growth.”
Emma Rollason-Taylor, Manager of the Enterprise Centre at York St John University said: “It's been fantastic to work with colleagues across the Combined Authority, York Business School and Aesthetica to support these fledgling creative businesses.
"I have been amazed by the quality of the businesses and the amount that they have progressed in 12 short weeks and I am so excited to continue their support through the Enterprise Centre. This really is a testament that shows how collaboration can make a massive difference to start ups in our region.”
A few words from the Creative Business Skills 2024 Cohort
"When I applied for this course, I didn’t have any specific expectations—especially since the course was funded. I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn something new, but I wasn’t expecting much beyond that. However, it turned out to exceed all my expectations in ways I didn’t anticipate. The master classes, in particular, were incredibly inspirational. They showed that with passion, determination, and persistence, we can achieve great things, both personally and professionally. The guest speakers and instructors shared real-world experiences that were not only insightful but also deeply motivating. They reminded me why I started my business in the first place and reignited the drive to push forward, even when things get tough." - Marzena Madziag
"The Bootcamp has been an incredible experience. I've learned so much - from practical business skills to new ways of thinking, utilising AI in daily operations, how to speak to clients, how to look after my finances, and many other things that will really help the future of my business. One of the biggest takeaways for me was understanding how to balance creative side of things with the business side, something that's not always easy when you focused on the day-to-day operations." - Wojciech Sukiennik
"The course has far exceeded my expectations - and I have to say, my expectations were pretty high already! Not only did I gain invaluable insights into the creative business world, but I also felt supported and encouraged every step of the way." - Carly Jay
"I just wanted to say thank you for putting on a fantastic course. I have learned a lot about myself during the course and have been inspired by both my peers in the cohort and the fantastic speakers we have had for the masterclasses. " - Daniel Pingstone
"All the speakers you invited to deliver the masterclasses, your continuous support, the team of different creators you put together, all the inspiration, the empowerment... They are so priceless." - Iris Mavrogeni
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you all again for such an amazing course. I truly learned so much, and I’m really going to miss it." - Ben Ramskill
"Learning from some of the region's finest creative professionals has been a real privilege. The course leaders and lecturers have not only been incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate about their fields, making the sessions engaging and inspiring. They’ve gone above and beyond to equip us with essential skills and practical insights that I know will have a lasting impact on our careers. Their guidance has been invaluable. Moreover, the guest speakers have truly been the highlight. Hearing first-hand from successful creatives in our area has opened my eyes to the wealth of opportunities in North Yorkshire. Their stories of navigating challenges, building networks, and thriving in the creative world have left me, and many of my peers, feeling inspired and ready to take on new ventures. This course has undoubtedly strengthened our creative community, helping us form connections and develop skills that are critical for our industry’s growth. I’m confident that supporting future cohorts would only enhance North Yorkshire’s reputation as a hub for creative talent and innovation." - Gavin Priestley
"The Creative Business Skills course has been incredible. It gave a meaningful and usable overview of setting up and running a business and it was accompanied by some hugely inspiring speakers who gave very helpful and encouraging accounts of their journeys." - Jacob Ward
"This course has not only equipped me with the tools and knowledge I need to move forward with my business but also reinforced the importance of patience, persistence, and adaptability. I’m excited to continue developing my business plan with the confidence that these foundations will help it succeed. I also greatly appreciate the offer of help from all the guest speakers, and I plan to reach out for further guidance as my business evolves. The course has given me the confidence to not give up and find ways to diversity should I need to. I also have more confidence to take the risks necessary to achieve what I want to achieve. This bootcamp is so important as it is the only course that has provided support specifically for the creative industries within York. Creativity is the future for our communities, tourism and retail industries. We are in a unique position to share York’s heritage whilst also leading the way with media and arts. It is vital that creative businesses have support so we can continue to grow the economy and become one of the most exiting cities in the world." - Sarah Schiewe
Contact us
Communications team
York St John University, Lord Mayors Walk, York, YO31 7EX
01904 876 466
To contact us out of hours, phone 07812 365 499