Creative Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development

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 is a fully funded programme, with participants receiving access to expert-led training, valuable skills development, professional mentorship, resources, and collaborative workspace.

This programme is developed and delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technological University. This programme is supported by LEO Galway.

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 only.  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

WHY

Transform your creative digital start-up into a successful business with our fully funded programme. Ideal for entrepreneurs in innovation and creative fields, this programme offers essential knowledge, insights into business growth and sustainability, and guidance to succeed.

Course Content

This programme is a Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate (30 ECTS) delivered by ATU in a part-time, hybrid format and includes monthly in-person symposia, mentorship, networking, peer-to-peer learning, and access to incubation space.

Module 1

Creative Ideation (5 credits)
Design thinking for entrepreneurship
Creativity & innovation
Problem solving
Value creation & value proposition

Module 2

Market Strategy (10 Credits)

Market strategy

Product-Market fit

Market entry

Customer Value & Acquisition Strategy

Managing IP

Storytelling

Module 3

Creative Venture Planning (15 credits)

Business plan development

Business models for creative industries

Leadership development

Budgeting and financial projections

Governance

Pitching and Making the Ask

COURSE DELIVERY

Induction: 19 September 2025 (In person, Galway)
Start Date: Late Sept 2025*
End Date: May 2026*
Duration: 30 Weeks
Delivery: In-person & online (One online teaching session per week (2-hours); Monthly in-person masterclasses at CREW, Galway
Exclusive community and networking activities
Professional, one-to-one mentorship

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A Level 8 honours degree or equivalent (Recognition of Prior Learning applicable in certain circumstances)
Background in Creative Digital Industries.
Completed expression of interest form.

BENEFITS

- Customised Programme — a carefully designed learning journey built by creative professionals to support your unique goals, with content tailored to your chosen pathway, creative sector, and stage of development.
- Expert Mentoring — industry guidance tailored to your creative and business needs
- Vibrant Community — collaborate with fellow creative entrepreneurs and build your network
- Premium Hub Access — Become integrated into the entrepreneurial ecosystem through desk space at CREW’s Creative Enterprise & Innovation Hub in Galway, or your local ConnectedHub
- Showcase & Pitch — opportunity to present your project to industry experts, peers, and Ireland’s start-up ecosystem
- Fully funded — Participants will receive access to expert-led training, valuable skills development, professional mentorship, resources, and collaborative workspace, offered completely free of charge to all participants.