Creative startups programme discharges £300k in loans

Gateshead’s Transmit Start-Ups programme has reached a key milestone in its first six months having helped 50 young entrepreneurs to set up businesses with £300k worth of loans.

Transmit have helped a bespoke guitar maker and an independent film producer to set up shop.

The creative-focussed programme is run by three directors: Richard Myers, Damian Bartens and Ian Straker - who each have experience of the music industry with their own record labels, and artists management company and a music promotions business.

Richard Myers said: “Damian and I have worked together as consultants for the past seven years and have supported creative entrepreneurs like Nick James who developed the Mushroom Works and Brick Works.

“Our previous clients, like Nick, are now well-established so we decided the time was right to be part of the Government’s national start up initiative to give young, creative people a chance to work for themselves.

“We are really pleased with the calibre and determination of the people we are helping. They are all passionate about their business and a good number of them are well on their way to making a name for themselves despite being at such an early stage.”

The team have also had a hand in establishing a Berwick music management company and a radio journalist skills workshop in Newcastle.

Transmit Start-Ups employ a team of 15 mentors across England who are all experienced in their specific, creative field.

Transmit Start-Ups is partnered with the Start-Up Loans Company to deliver a national initiative launched by the Government and BBC’s Dragon’s Den star James Caan to help people aged 18-30 to get their business ideas off the ground.

Further information is available on www.transmitstartups.co.uk.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →