Now open for applications, a new programme - ‘Creative Credits’ – from NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is offering SMEs thousands to spend with local creative businesses in order to improve sales and profitability!

Manchester SMEs can get £4,000 worth of external creative input for an investment of £1,000.  Registration is now open via: www.creative-credits.org.uk and the first round of applications will close on 9 October 2009.

Creative businesses similarly need to register on the above website in order to be placed on the ‘Gallery’ and be in with a chance of winning new clients.

‘Creative Credits’ – supported by Manchester City Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Arts and Humanities Research Council gives SMEs the chance to develop ideas that can transform their company’s prospects.

The application process is quick and simple – businesses answer a short online questionnaire and if eligible, will be entered into a draw.  Successful applicants will be able to spend the Credits with a creative business of their choice, as long as the latter are registered on NESTA’s online Gallery and their project meets the programme criteria. 150 companies will receive a Creative Credit in two waves – the first 75 will be picked in October, and the second next February. 

NESTA believes that the creative industries can improve the performance of other businesses, for example in the development of new products and services and in devising platforms to help businesses reach new audiences, but many businesses are unaware of these benefits.  NESTA’s research has found that UK businesses that invest double the amount the average firm spends on creative services are 25% more likely to introduce product innovations.

For further information or to register: www.creative-credits.org.uk