Creative Export Accelerator – Fully Funded Programme for West Yorkshire’s Creative SMEs

The Creative Export Accelerator is a fully funded programme designed to help creative SMEs and freelancers across West Yorkshire grow their international reach and confidence in exporting. Supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), the initiative offers practical guidance, mentoring, and training to strengthen the region’s creative economy and global connections.

Participants receive a minimum of 30 hours of support, including tailored one-to-one mentoring with creative industry and export specialists, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The programme helps participants to develop a practical export strategy, gain insight into international markets, and build valuable partnerships with peers and sector experts.

The next cohort begins on 13 November 2025 at Nexus Leeds, with workshops running through to March 2026. A further cohort will launch in February 2026, offering an additional opportunity for those who apply now but are not selected for the current intake.

We are particularly keen to hear from BAME-led creative businesses based outside Leeds, especially those in Bradford, Kirklees, Wakefield, and Calderdale, as these areas are currently under-represented. Applications are also welcomed from creative businesses led by women, disabled people, and those operating in areas of deprivation or facing barriers to accessing business support.

The programme is open to creative businesses working in Gaming and Games Design, TV and Film, Music, Screen Technology, and Textiles. Applicants should be based in West Yorkshire, actively trading, and either already exporting or have a clear ambition to do so.

Further information and eligibility details can be found at:
https://creativeexportaccelerator.co.uk/training-information/