Create Growth D2 Hub

Join the local network that develops creative business and community

Welcome to the Create Growth D2 Hub, where inspiration meets innovation. Our vision is clear: to be the cornerstone of knowledge, inspiration, and support for the Creative Industries in Derby and Derbyshire.

The D2 Hub aims to:

Help to fortify creative networks, both established and emerging, fostering collaboration and support
Provide funding to enhance your events, secure keynote speakers, arrange catering, and facilitate additional promotion
Offer targeted support for creative start-ups that are now at the pre-scale stage, with a particular focus on businesses with high growth potential
Delivering support that complements existing provisions and pipelines working towards scale-up, growth and knowledge transfer
Provide personalised 1:1 support recognising the diverse needs of the creative community across urban and remote areas of Derby and Derbyshire
Connect you with regional networks and opportunities
Provide access to events, workshops, business bootcamps and mentoring

At the heart of our initiative is a commitment to nurturing creative businesses, please register your interest to find out more.

Being on the programme has been a chance to look at the way we do certain things and take advantage of the masterclasses and the peer networking. The mentoring has also been a really valuable part of the programme: being able to discuss processes, ideas and next steps with someone outside of the business offers a different perspective.

Paul Messer

Branding Agency Founder

Who we are

We are a collaborative hub, of policymakers, creative businesses, public sector representatives and creative space managers, part of the East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC2). Our mission is to ignite curiosity, promote engagement, and support the commercial potential of our region's creative sectors. We aim to foster a sense of belonging and ownership in the creative community.

We are one of three dynamic hubs established in September 2023 as part of a nationally funded programme operating at a regional level. De Montfort University, University of Lincoln, and University of Derby lead the hubs, each focusing on their respective partner regions.

What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a lasting impact. Beyond the project's end date, we aspire to leave a legacy that benefits the entire creative landscape. Our focus is not just on the present building a foundation for the future.

Eligibility is as follows

Creative individual, business, supporter, or other Creative Industries stakeholder
Sub-sectors including advertising and marketing, architecture, crafts, design (product, graphic and fashion), film, TV, video, radio and photography, IT, software and computer services, publishing, museums, galleries and libraries, music, performing and visual arts, animation and VFX/SFX (visual and special effects), video games and heritage
Based in Derby and/or Derbyshire

Find out more on the East Midlands Create Growth webpage.