Digital Womens Network

More than a dozen new businesses are supported by this new scheme, developed to help people who've graduated within the last three years.

Insight Out is a new initiative that has been created to help North East based designers, artists, photographers and architects in the early stages of their career develop their business idea.

The initiative approaches business with a unique angle, as developed by NESTA, the DigitalCity and the University of Teesside. The approach to business is sympathetic to the mindset of creatives, seeing the development of a new business as a design project/process and not just as a financial exercise.

There are four distinct phases to Insight Out: full details on their website

Phase One - Idea Exploration

This is the gateway section to the programme, based on a 4-day training seminar located within the Tees Valley. During these four days participants will explore and develop their creative ideas by placing them within a business context.

Phase Two - Business Articulation

This is an intensive four week work period that results in a business proposal. At this crucial stage candidates interact with accountants, lawyers, manufacturers and business advisors in order to develop their idea into a business proposition. Participants will hold regular weekly one-on-one meetings with the trainers and the coaches from the first stages, in order to support their progression and develop work schedules. Participants will be paid a further £500 for attending and completing this part of the initiative.

Phase Three - Business Presentation

At this stage all of the participants present their business ideas to a panel of design business experts for funding and review. Successful applicants can apply for an award to develop their business. The total budget for awards is £10,000. Where relevant, participants will be fast-tracked to further dedicated Creative Industries funds.

Phase Four - Ongoing Support

Participants are required to create a supportive environment that meets regularly and develops each others businesses. Participants will be asked to act as role-models, with further involvement required, as it is planned that this particular business approach will be developed as a project to be integrated into undergraduate studies. This will involve regular support and participation in mentoring students in the development of their ideas during their studies.