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POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (CEED)

LEVEL 9 (30 ECTS)

The next programme will run from September 2023 to May 2024 – we are not currently accepting expressions of interest for this cohort.

Please register your interest for future programmes and our team will get back to you with future dates.

CEED

Discover \ Start \ Connect

High growth creative entrepreneurship start-up programme to inspire and engage the next generation of dynamic Creative Digital Entrepreneurs.

The CREW CEED incubation programme will help turn a creative idea into a sustainable business in a variety of disciplines (TV & Film, Virtual Production, Games, Animation, Content Development, Digital Arts, Immersive Technologies, Digital Design, Creative Technologies & more).

The programme will break down barriers to the start-up world by demystifying the jargon around entrepreneurship; and sharing toolkits and processes to give creatives the power to respond to fast change and cultivate resilience.

Through this process you will be encouraged to Test – Iterate – Adjust. You will build your company knowing real market needs, based on feedback and in-depth research.

This programme is completely free for successful applicants with support from the Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office and our partners.

WHO

  • For Creative Digital Entrepreneurs with an idea they are actively testing in the market, start-ups newly entering the marketplace, students planning a company launch.
  • Business less than 18 months old
  • Applicants from anywhere in Ireland may apply but priority may be given to those who live along the Atlantic Economic Corridor and the western region.

WHAT

  • Part time blended learning 30-week programme
  • Individual mentoring from industry experts
  • Networking, peer to peer learning
  • Hub accommodation, incubation space

WHY

  • Help to accelerate the start-up process
  • Identify market opportunities
  • Develop and pitch business model
  • Broaden your network

COURSE CONTENT

This part time course is made up of 3 modules, totalling 30 ECTS (Level 9) and delivered over an 8-month period commencing in September 2023.

Module 1 | Creative Ideation

  • Creative practitioners as entrepreneurs
  • Design Thinking for Entrepreneurship
  • Creativity & Innovation 
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Value Creation & Value Proposition
  • Customer Discovery

Module 2 | Market Strategy

  •  Product Market Fit, Market Size, Market Entry
  • Customer Value, Acquisition Strategy
  • Storytelling
  • Managing IP, unlocking the value of your creativity
  • Presentation & Sales

Module 3 | Creative Venture Planning

  • Project based business plan development
  • Business models for the creative industries
  • Leadership Development
  • Budgeting & Financial Projections
  • Corporate Governance
  • Pitching and Making the Ask 

OUTCOMES

At the end of the programme, each successful participant will have:

  • Launched a viable start-up (MVP stage)
  • Professional pitch to the ecosystem of industry partners & creative industry peers   
  • Entrepreneurial skills and mindset development
  • Enhanced network and social capital
  • Improved confidence, motivation to work, flexibility, willingness to learn
  • Developed viable solutions for real-world needs
  • A vibrant community of practice in the creative digital space

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The postgraduate certificate will be open to those with:

  • Level 8 honours degree (or equivalent)
  • RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) will apply in certain circumstances
  • A background in the Creative Digital Industries
  • Completed expression of interest form

COURSE DELIVERY

Induction: Mid-September 2023*

Start Date: September 2023*

End Date: May 2024*

Duration: 30 Weeks

  • In-person & online delivery:
    • Two online teaching sessions per week, Monday + Wednesday 4 – 6pm
    • In-person symposia, held monthly at ATU Galway CIty (Wellpark Rd) campus
  • Exclusive community and networking activities
  • Professional, one-to-one project mentorship 

*Exact Dates TBD

WHY CHOOSE THIS INCUBATION PROGRAMME?

Turn your creative digital start-up into a successful business.

This programme is ideal for entrepreneurs building businesses in innovation and creative fields including TV & Film, Virtual Production, Animation and Gaming, Content & Media, Immersive Technologies, Fashion Tech, Digital Design & more.

This fully funded programme will provide entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and insights into pathways to business growth and sustainability & provide creative visionaries with the guidance they need to succeed.

Additionally, there are regular opportunities to speak with entrepreneurs, CEED alumni, CreaTech innovators, and mentors who will provide constructive input on your business.

 

FAQ

30 weeks in total | Mid September 2023 – Mid May 2024* 

Module 1 (M1): Creative Ideation: 4 weeks, Term 1 (Sept – Dec 2023)
Module 2 (M2): Market Strategy: 10 weeks, Term 1 (Sept – Dec 2023)
Module 3 (M3): Creative Venture Planning: 12 weeks, Term 2 (Jan – May 2024)

4 hours of seminars covering the topics delivered by ATU Galway + CREW: Monday + Wednesday 4-6pm (online)

Approx 4 hours of additional activities including:

  • Completing coursework and application of learning
  • One-on-one consultations with CEED programme director and ATU lecturers
  • Guest speakers from the creative digital area and other relevant areas of interest
  • Mentorship from an experienced industry expert 
  • M1:  Continuous Assessment + individual project
  • M2: : Individual project + presentation
  • M3: Individual project + presentation