MODULE 5: Funding for CreativesAccessing Resources – Financing and supports available

Module 2 Learning

Focus

In this module we demystify funding opportunities and connect you to the right opportunities. We cover

• Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

• Grants available to creatives –local, national and European

• Heard about microfinancing and crowdfunding? We bring you up to speed!

For any start up business, the challenge of putting together the financial investment package can be daunting. In spite of decreased funding, there are still many public and private funding opportunities; however knowing where to look is always a challenge.In this module we explore the 4 main options open to a creative startup business, they are:- 1. Grants – local, national and European2. Accelerators3. Micro Financing4. Crowdfunding

Note the information is correct as of January 2017 and the authors can accept no responsibility for the information provided.

1) Grants

SUCCESS in SECURING GRANT FUNDING

Like making a cake, it depends on ingredients (you and your project) and following the recipe !

(all sectors)........

Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

FORGET ABOUT THE MONEY! (AT LEAST INITIALLY…) & DEFINE YOUR PROJECT The primary concern of funders is that your project is well planned and that it will truly make a difference.

In making an effective application important questions to start with include:

What are you trying to achieve?

• New workshop space, purchase new equipment ?

• Make a new body of work?

• Go on a course/ do some training ?

Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

It is essential that you address how does your project fulfil the funder’s aims?’Link your project to the funder’s key criteria and show how your project furthers their aims and objectives. This means that you need to research your funding target thoroughly.

Why ? Up to 50% of applications received by funders do not meet their published criteria

As a very basic minimum you should read the guidelines published by the funder. Consider: the funder’s motivation, the format for applying, the level of funding, submission deadlines, eligibility, decision making process

Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

What are the real and positive differences the funding will make?REMEMBER – ‘PEOPLE GIVE TO PEOPLE…’ Be creative, challenging and engaging about your idea, this is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the competition.

Build your credibility and be professional!One of the primary reasons why applications get funded is that the funders are convinced that the applicant organisation is well organised, has a good track record and is a capable promoter to carry out the proposed project.

You approach the creation of your work with a high degree of professionalism – approach the generation of proposals in the same way.

Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

• Don’t assume that the funder will have any knowledge of your organisation or project. Describe your project truthfully and succinctly.

• Break down the requirements of the application into bite-sized pieces

• Think carefully about presentation; most funders will read many applications and if an application is easy to read and well presented it makes their lives easier.

• Do not over-promise – you will one day have to deliver

• It always takes a lot longer to put an application for funds together than you think !

Top Tips for Success in Writing a Grant Application

• Remember it is competitive – your best foot forward

• Write in an interesting way that captures the energy & spirit of your project (journalist style)

• The power of evidence of need. It is not sufficient to say: “we know … we think….” back it up with relevant research

• Show that your project is additional – not competing with others

• And last but not least, definitely talk to the funding agency before you apply

Ask yourself, ‘Why wouldn’t they fund this?Often a good way to strengthen your funding application is to try and ‘pick holes’ in it. Having identified the weaknesses you can then work on putting them right.

ENTERPRISE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

In Ireland, we are fortunate to have a positive funding environment with opportunities for all strands of the creative sector. In fact, there are over 170 different Government supports for Irish start-ups and small businesses.

A good resource – https://www.supportingsmes.ie/BusinessDetails.aspx This Online Guide is to help Irish start-ups and small businesses navigate the range of Government supports to see which applies to your circumstances

WHO ARE THE LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE? www.localenterprise.ie The Local Enterprise Office is a First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. There are 31 teams across the Local Authority network who will guide people interested in starting up a new business or already in business including; entrepreneurs, early stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand.

The LEOs are about promoting entrepreneurship and self-help and provide services under four headings:• Business Information and Advisory Services;• Enterprise Support Services;• Entrepreneurship Support Services, and• Local Enterprise Development Services

They provide direct financial supports to micro businesses (i.e. 10 or less employees)

ENTERPRISE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES - PRIMING GRANT

A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant, available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up. The max Priming Grant payable shall be 50% of the investment.

4 Expenditure headings:

• Capital items • Salary costs (typically Employment grants of up to €10,000 per

employee ,including yourself, are obtainable. ) • Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs • General overhead costs

Criteria:• A business which on growth will fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio• A manufacturing or internationally traded services business • A domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally• Deadweight and displacement - WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IDEA?• All grants of a value greater than or equal to €40,000 need Enterprise Ireland

approval

PRIMING GRANT FUNDING EXAMPLE

Branding and marketing €1,675.00Technical realisation of online database €4,680.65IT requirement, hardware & associated software €3,777.19Insurance (£1750 stg) €2,447.80Consultancy costs (industry specific contracting expertise) €2,250.00TOTAL COSTS €14,830.64 Of which 50% grant requested €7,415.32

EMPLOYMENT 2.5 EMPLOYMENT GRANTS based on promoters x 2 and 1 part time Administrator €25,000 TOTAL GRANT REQUEST €32,415.32Note some LEOs take differing approaches

Business Expansion Grant

BUSINESS EXPANSION GRANT is designed to assist the business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period. Same criteria and funding levels

Business that had availed of a Priming Grant will be ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion grant until 12 months after approval/drawdown date of Priming Grant whichever is the later

PLEASE NOTE – part of the LEO grants are repayableTypically 30% of your grant amount.

(for example – 30% of €30,000 = €9,000 is repayable @0% over 3 years = €3,000 p.a.)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Feasibility/Innovation grants for those investigating new innovative business projects.

Assistance to a maximum of 60% of the research, design, and prototype development costs may be awarded subject to a maximum grant of €10,000*.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Contact the LEO for initial chat. www.localenterprise.ie/ your county

You must • complete the official application form, provide a business plan and financial

projections• Provide quotations (under €5,000 = 1 quote, over €5k = 3 quotes)

TIPS•The categorisation of your business is very important•If struggling, ask for mentor support •Match funding needs to be in place•As for all funders – a compelling business plan is essential.•Grants are payable in arrears on the basis of expenditure (net of VAT) being properly vouched- you need to factor this into cashflow

THE STEPS ….

When assessed by LEO staff, your application will then be presented at the next available Evaluation Committee meeting.

From this point it will take approximately 6-8 weeks for your application to be processed. The Evaluation & Approvals Committee will then make a decision to either approve or reject the application.

Applicants will then be notified in writing of the decision of the committee.

If your application is approved you will receive a letter of offer along with conditions of grant aid and a checklist of how you can claim the grant assistance approved.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Under 35 ? It is a really good idea to apply to the Irelands best young entrepreneur competition http://www.ibye.ie/. Each county has a investment fund of €50,000 to award to Category Winners

OTHER SUPPORTS

WORTH TAPPING INTO ….

MENTORING A panel of business specialists – finance, marketing, technical etc. who contributes independent, informed observation and advice to aid decision making.

Who Qualifies?The Mentor Programme is open to both new and existing businesses located within the LEO region.

Some LEOs offer other supports e.g. in Roscommon, you can apply for https://www.localenterprise.ie/Roscommon/Training-Events/Programmes/Programmes.html

OTHER SUPPORTS In-House TrainingA training grant is available to businesses to up-skill owner/managers or their staff, in-house. The grant is set at a rate of 50% of the training costs, subject to a maximum of €3,000 to any one business in any one year.

Website Design and UpgradeA grant is available to enable businesses create a new, or upgrade an existing website. The grant is set at a rate of 50% of eligible expenditure, subject to a maximum of €750 for a new site and to a maximum of €600 for an existing site. The grant offer is for 12 months duration. •Trading on line Voucher Scheme offers eligible businesses €2,500 at a rate of 50% to develop an E-commerce website

ExhibitionsA grant may be available for participation at an Exhibition or Trade Fair. Applications are assessed on a one-to-one basis. The grant is at a rate of 50% of the Stand Space, subject to a maximum of €3,000 to any one business in any one year.

Branding/Rebranding/MarketingGrant aid is available at a rate of 50% of the net cost of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €1,000 to any one business in any one year, to cover Branding/Rebranding and Marketing: design of letterhead, compliment slip, flyer or brochure to further the Identity.

ONLINE TRADING VOUCHER

• Applicant business must be registered and trading for at least 12 months;• Vouchers are available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% of eligible

expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser;• Must attend an information session• Voucher approval must be gained prior to incurring any expense;• Own labour is not an eligible expense;• Third party costs only will be considered.

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme-/2015-LEO-Online-Voucher-Application-Form.pdf

What is covered under the ONLINE TRADING VOUCHER?

•IT consultation;•Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website;•Implementing Online payments or booking systems;•Purchase of Internet related software;•Purchase of online advertising (this purchase cannot make up any more than 30% of approved Voucher costs and can only be drawn down in one payment phase);•Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages);•Implementing a digital marketing strategy i.e. Social media marketing;•Consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy;•Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an on-line trading activity.

LEADER 2014-2020

The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is the programme manager for LEADER.

In Ireland, the overall LEADER budget is €250m and it is focused on "promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas.“

It is implemented through Local Actions Groups – find yours on https://www.pobal.ie/Publications/Documents/Local%20Action%20Groups.xlsx

An overview of the LEADER programme funding streams ..

Each County has a Local Community Development Plan which may have differing priorities

Worth noting ..

No repayabilityFunds are more limited than previous Leader programme....

• Maximum grant rate of up private promoters is 50%• Up to 75% for community organisations

• Training activities may be funded up to 100% - very useful for creative network development

• Benefit in kind may also be used.

The Process1) Expressions of interest form2) Eligible in Principle notification which invites you to make a full application. (The submission of an Expression of Interest for LEADER grant assistance or this

acknowledgement itself may not be taken as an indication that the project is eligible or will be awarded grant aid)

Who are Enterprise Ireland?

Enterprise Ireland is the state agency responsible for supporting the development of manufacturing and internationally traded services companies. They provide funding and supports for companies - from entrepreneurs with business propositions for a high potential start-up through to large companies expanding their activities, improving efficiency and growing international sales.

The definition of a high potential start up is critical.‘likely to achieve significant growth within three years with sales of €1m per annum and

employment of 10 or more’

Competitive Feasibility Fund (CFF)

The objective of the Competitive Feasibility Funds is to assist new start-up companies or entrepreneurs, to investigate the viability of a new growth-orientated business proposition which has the potential to become a High Growth Potential Start-up (HPSU). These are companies that can develop scalable innovative technologies, products or services for sale on world markets. The Fund support projects that are likely to achieve significant growth within three years (sales of €1m per annum and employment of 10 or more) Must be a manufacturing or an internationally traded services businesshttps://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Competitive-Start-Fund-All-Sectors.html

Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider (e.g. Institute of Technology, National College of Art & Design). • Open to all limited companies• Not open to sole traders, companies with charitable status, “not for profit”

organisations, trade associations, Chambers of Commerce

Apply through open calls within the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Funding-Supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Innovation-Voucher.html   

BACK TO WORK

ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCEWhile not a grant, it is an important fund to allow those embarking on self employment to retain some existing welfare benefits while setting up a new business. There are now 2 different Social Welfare backed schemes. The amount you receive and length of time on scheme will depend on which:-

• Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme:If you have been in receipt of a Social Welfare payment for 12 months or longer and you must also meet the means test for Jobseekers Allowance• Short Term Enterprise Alliance •If you are on Jobseekers Benefit, you qualify immediately to go on the scheme. Jobseekers Benefit is paid for either 6 months or 9 months, depending on your PRSI contributions.

BACK TO WORK

ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCE

You can qualify for a Back to Work Enterprise Allowance if you are getting up as self-employed in a business that has been approved in advance in writing by a DSP case officer or Local Development Company (LDC).

You can keep a percentage of your social welfare payment for up to 2 years.• 100% in year 1• 75% in year 2You can also hold onto secondary benefits.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme:

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme:

•In addition to income support (your weekly payment), you can also get financial support with the costs of setting up your business under the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). •The business plan you submit as part of your application for the scheme must set out the rationale and requirement for financial support. The ESG can pay a total of €2,500 in any 24-month period •You must be able to make a matching contribution of at least 20% to access grant support. You need to provide documentary evidence of the costs (quotations from at least 2 suppliers or, if a single supplier, the reasons for choosing a single supplier).

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme:

•In addition to income support (your weekly payment), you can also get financial support with the costs of setting up your business under the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). •The business plan you submit as part of your application for the scheme must set out the rationale and requirement for financial support. The ESG can pay a total of €2,500 in any 24-month period •You must be able to make a matching contribution of at least 20% to access grant support. You need to provide documentary evidence of the costs (quotations from at least 2 suppliers or, if a single supplier, the reasons for choosing a single supplier).

Combination of these eligible costs in any 24-month period to a maximum of €2,500:

Category Annual limit, €Minimum contribution from applicant

Accountancy and related services including legal advice Up to €500 20%

Advertising and marketing aids Up to €500 20%Business equipment Up to €1,000 20%

Business mentoring (this can be offered free or at a reduced rate by Local Enterprise Officers (LEOs) or local development companies

Up to €250 20%

Business registration costs and fees Up to €250 20%

Compliance, guidance and training Up to €250 20%

Job-specific tools and equipment Up to €1,000 20%Office supplies and stationery Up to €250 20%

Personal protective clothing and equipment Up to €250 20%

Public liability insurance costs associated with setting up a business - no other insurance is eligible Up to €1,000 20%

Short-term training on book-keeping, regulation, rollout of business plan, start-your-own-business and courses of training related to the start-up

Up to €250 20%

Signage Up to €500 20%

Upgrading to premises where the premises is owned by the applicant Up to €1,000 20%

Website registration, related services and production Up to €500 20%

'Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs' (SURE) scheme http://www.sure.gov.ie/

PAYE workers who opt to start up their own business may be entitled to income tax refunds (going back up to 6 years) of up to 41pc of their capital investment up to a cap of €100,000.

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it15.html

SOURCES OF GRANT INFORMATION Active Link www.activelink.ieThe online network for Irish non profit organisationsThe website is updated daily and the latest information is published and circulated once a week by email. Free resource. Great Facebook page www.facebook.com/ActiveLinkIreland

Philanthropy Ireland is the Association of independent philanthropic organisations in Ireland, including grant making trusts and foundations Excellent Looming Deadlines webpage http://www.philanthropy.ie/2017/01/24/funds-and-the-looming-deadlines/

3) Funding specifically for creative sector entrepreneurs

Examples of funding streams - http://www.dccoi.ie/craftspeople/opportunities/type/upcoming External Exhibitions FundThe External Exhibitions Fund has been established to assist the development of high-quality, independent exhibitions run by individuals, organisations or groups. This annual fund supports a small number of professionally produced exhibitions featuring Irish design/craft in Ireland or abroad.

International Fair Fund The International Fair Fund has been developed to financially assist designers/craftspeople in reaching key export markets. The fund provides limited match funding for wholesale trade fairs abroad.

Future Makers Awards & Supports

DCCoI’s Future Makers Awards & Supports programme rewards the next generation of creative makers, providing support for development of an exciting career in the craft and design industry. The programme funds research, training, residencies, exhibitions, studio development and more. www.futuremakers.ie

The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland.Arts organisations, artists, and groups working with the arts can apply for funding. Discover what funding is available then register for online services to submit an application.

http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/

Encourage the entities and groups you work with to apply.

Local Authority Arts Office is an important source of funding, let’s look at Leitrim as an example

Let’s look at some other funding streams that are typical of all counties…

The Arts Festivals and Events Support Scheme is open to organisations that develop and present arts events that maintain the highest standards of programming and presentation for audiences in Leitrim. Applicants will be assessed on the quality and ambition of the proposed activities, the benefit to Leitrim audiences and artists, and the feasibility and the completeness of applications in terms of budgetary and project management capacity.

Artists for the Artist in Schools Scheme 2017/2018. The Arts Office is also looking for four artists to take part in its Artist in Schools Scheme 2017 and 2018. Artists can be from any arts discipline and must have extensive experience in delivering high quality arts experiences for children and young people and a commitment to working in collaborative contexts.

Community Groups are invited to apply for the Artist in the Community Scheme. Four groups will be selected on the basis of wanting to work with an artist, and being able to commit to a project, in terms of the time, space and materials required for a project to be successful. Once the groups are selected, there will be an open national call for suitably experienced artists to work with each group.

Culture Ireland - http://www.cultureireland.ie/ Culture Ireland operates a range of funding programmes to support and promote the presentation of Irish arts internationally. The current initiatives include a Regular Grants round including a Showcase programme: E.g. Including the Culture Ireland annual showcase at the Edinburgh Festivals, presenting a biennial showcase of contemporary Irish choreography at Tanzmesse contemporary dance showcase [Dusseldorf], and leading the Irish delegation to the annual WOMEX World Music Expo.

While not grants, residencies can be very advantageous

The term ‘artist residency’ covers a broad spectrum of activity and opportunity for artists. There is no set format for a residency and it can take many forms and be based in a broad range of organisations. Residencies can last from as little as two weeks to as long as a year. They vary from:- • ‘residential’, offering artists both a living and working environment • a structure for engagement between the artist and host organisation.

What all residencies have in common is an invitation for an artist to engage with a particular environment and for them to undertake some element of their practice in this context. This invitation typically has a particular time frame placed upon it and a clear objective on behalf of the inviting organisation.

See more - http://visualartists.ie/the-manual-a-survival-guide-for-visual-artists/kindred-spirits-studios-residencies/undertaking-residencies/

Example - Artist and Youth Work Residency Scheme• The Artist and Youth Work Residency Scheme is a grant scheme for youth arts projects

funded by The Arts Council and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and managed by the Arts Programme of The National Youth Council of Ireland.

• The Scheme is designed to promote innovative partnerships between youth groups, artists and (where relevant) arts organisations. A residency may take the form of an artist in residence in a youth work setting and/or a youth group in residence in an arts setting.

• Young people will have the opportunity to work with and learn from practitioners of excellence in their field. Equally, artists will have the opportunity to enrich their own professional practice through the contextual experience of working with young people.

http://www.youtharts.ie/content/artist-youth-work-scheme

Visual Artists IrelandThe Representative Body for Visual Artists in Ireland and is funded by the Arts Council

Grants and Awards page is useful - http://visualartists.ie/category/jobs-ops/funding-awards/

Membership basedStandard rate for artists living on the island of Ireland €50Concession rate for students or unwaged artists living on the island of Ireland €25Organisation €180 http://visualartists.ie/join/membership-form/online-membership-form/

Opportunities in the Pipeline http://creative.ireland.ie/ Creative Ireland – the new five-year all-of-government initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which at its core is a wellbeing strategy which aims to improve access to cultural and creative activity in every county across the country. The Plan has 5 pillars• Enabling the Creative Potential of Every Child• Enabling Creativity in Every Community• Investing in our Creative and Cultural Infrastructure• Ireland as a Centre of Excellence in Media Production• Unifying our Global Reputation

Opportunities in the Pipeline

Key Creative Ireland initiatives to be delivered in 2017 include:• The publication of a five year ‘Creative Children’ plan which will enable every

child to access tuition in music, drama, art and coding• Each Local Authority will appoint a Culture Team to drive local needs and will

publish a Culture Plan for their own county• A new annual cultural day, ‘Cruinniú na Cásca’ to be held nationwide on Easter

Monday each year,• The Departments of Arts and Social Protection will devise a mechanism to assist

self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseekers Allowance. This would be a pilot scheme

European Funding Opportunities for Creative Industries

Creative Europe 2014 - 2020

Creative Europe is now the main funding programme of the European Commission to support cultural and creative sector projects, networks and platforms in Europe. The programme will target the needs of the cultural and creative sectors, particularly in terms of promoting jobs and growth potential, and will promote cultural and linguistic diversity.

Supports transnational cooperation projects, European networks, literary translation and European platforms.

Who Can ApplyProfessionals, organisations, businesses and institutions active in the cultural and creative sectors will be eligible to apply.

http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/index_en.htm

Partnerships for cooperation projects must consist of a minimum of three different partners, from three different countries (for small cooperation projects) and at least six different partners, from six different countries (for large cooperation projects).

Meeting Place ? Culture Agora is an easy-to-use, online meeting place for cultural organisations, professionals and many others interested in the arts and the creative sector. Any cultural organisation, big or small, can post its activities (information, videos, audios, streamings), and benefit from cross-sector and international visibility, as well as potential transnational collaborations and cultural mobility

http://www.cultureagora.info/en/home

European Commission Creative Europe - MEDIA http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/media/index_en.php

The MEDIA Strand of the Creative Europe programme supports the EU film and audiovisual industries in the development, distribution and promotion of their work. Maximum value: € 1,000,000

Who Can ApplyOrganisations, businesses and institutions active in the film and audiovisual industries are eligible to apply. This includes: •Independent production companies•Independent audiovisual production companies•European cinema / theatrical distributors•European entities - private companies, non-profit organisations, associations, charities, foundations, municipalities or Town Councils

For open calls, also check out http://ec.europa.eu/culture/calls_en and like their Facebook page.

The MEDIA Programmes offer a variety of support schemes:

• Training - MEDIA provides international professional training opportunities by co-financing over 60 courses in script and project development; management, legal and finance issues; marketing and distribution; new media and new technology; animation; and documentaries.

• Development funding- MEDIA supports independent European production companies in the development of animation, creative documentaries or fiction projects intended for European and international TV and theatrical markets. Support is provided for single projects or a slate of three to five projects. Similar support is available for interactive works developed specifically to complement an audiovisual project.

The MEDIA Programmes offer a variety of support schemes:

• Access to Finance “i2i Audiovisual” facilitates access to financing from banks and other financial institutions by subsidising part of the production-related financial costs, such as insurance, financial interest and completion bonds.

• MEDIA Production Guarantee Fund This fund facilitates access to private sources of financing for film producers by guaranteeing part of their bank loans.

• Support for television broadcasting This funding encourages independent European audiovisual production companies to produce work (fiction, documentaries or animated films) that involves the participation or cooperation of at least three broadcasters – and preferably more – from several Member States.

• Support for Distribution MEDIA supports the circulation of European audiovisual works across MEDIA Programme countries. Financial backing is available as automatic or selective support for distributors, automatic support for sales agents, support for Video on Demand and Digital Cinema Distribution (VOD-DCD), and support to cinemas through the Europa Cinemas network.

The MEDIA Programmes offer a variety of support schemes:

• Pilot Projects Pilot projects ensure that the latest developments on the information and communication technology markets are introduced and taken up by the players of the European audiovisual sector.

• Market Access MEDIA supports most major markets and co-production forums in Europe in order to foster the greatest possible diversity and quality of projects and works, as well as the mobility of professionals. MEDIA also provides an umbrella stand, advisory and logistic services for European professionals at the European Film Market (Berlin), MIPTV, MIPCOM and the Marché du Film at the Festival de Cannes

• Festivals Every year the MEDIA programme supports nearly one hundred festivals in Europe notable for their particularly rich and varied programme of European films, their efforts to engage with the general public and their activities involving professionals in large numbers

INFORMATION RESOURCE – ON THE MOVE

Keep an eye on newly funded projects / platforms and networks within the scope ofthe Creative Europe Programme, which may offer some open opportunities. See forinstance:• Urban Heat project• The SHAPE platform• Aerowaves for emerging choreographers in Europe

See whether your country of origin or residency has a special cultural exchange yearwhich may open specific opportunities (like the year UK/Nigeria or cultural seasonsbetween France and Korea etc. in 2015).

On the Move shares regular and one-off opportunities through its website, newsletter and Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/onthemove.OTM

EU LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Erasmus+ is the new programme combining all the EU's schemes for education, training, youth and sport. It provides funding and support for organisations to operate projects consistent with its objectives and which encourage European exchange, co-operation and learning.

Erasmus+ funding is available to all sectors of formal, informal and non-formal education. It aims to modernise and improve the quality of teaching, training and youth work across Europe, and to support the development, transfer and implementation of innovative practices.

Erasmus+ is open to private or public organisations active in the fields of adult education, higher education, school education, sport, vocational education and training, and youth and community work, in any participating country. While the programme enables individuals to travel, work, volunteer and study abroad, project applications from individuals themselves are not accepted. However, individuals may apply to attend Transnational Cooperation Activities with the support of their organisations.

EU LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMMES

In Ireland, the National Contact Point is Leargas- www.leargas.ie

Access to EU Programmes, EU Finance and EU Markets The Enterprise Europe Network assists SMEs who are looking for EU Programmes and Supports. The Network organises international brokerage events and provides a central database for SMEs to offer, or search for, business opportunities, technology transfer and licensing deals in the EU and in many other countries.

Offices throughout the EU

In Ireland - http://www.een-ireland.ie/

Foundations - Allianz Cultural Foundation

The Allianz Cultural Foundation primarily addresses exceptionally gifted young academics and artists in Europe. In particular, the Foundation supports cooperative projects which involve partners from at least three countries. Special attention is paid to projects which enable long-term networks between the involved artists and project partners.

The Allianz Cultural Foundation only supports projects, not institutions. One deadline a year, usually on 31 March.

https://kulturstiftung.allianz.de/en/

2) Accelerators

Accelerators and Incubators

There are 27 different accelerator and incubator programmes in Ireland and competition for places on them is fierce.

Incubators are generally for new companiesIncubators nurture the growth of a new business as the name suggests. An incubator typically offers shared office spaces, networking and mentoring opportunities and perhaps some seed capital. Co-working is often a part of the incubator experience, though some offer private office spaces. See Module 7.

Accelerator programmes are for businesses in growthGeared towards existing businesses that have the potential to grow. The other critical distinction between accelerators and incubators is that, as well as offering office space and mentorship, accelerators typically provide seed capital in exchange for a share of the business.

Accelerators

In Dublin the acceptance rate of 21 per cent, while outside Dublin 42 per cent of start-ups that applied for accelerator programmes accepted on to them. Technology based accelerators include

• NDRC Launchpad at The National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) http://www.ndrc.ie/ is the leading Irish IT incubator and is considered one of the best of its kind in the world

• Dogpatch Labs http://dogpatchlabs.com/

New Frontiers Programme http://www.newfrontiers.ie/

New Frontiers is Enterprise Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme for innovative, early-stage start-ups. The Programme is run by Institutes of Technology and is a three-phased programme, based in 14 campus incubation centres across the country. Each year, New Frontiers funds 150 companies.

You need to prove you can run a sustainable new business, trade internationally, create employment.

Main Benefits of this Programme• De-risk your business model• €15,000 tax-free grant (in phase 2)• No equity taken from your business• Hot-desk and incubation facilities• Introduction to government & private investment opportunities

3) Microfinance a source of financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses lacking access to banking and related services

FIND IT HARD TO RAISE MATCH FUNDING ?

REJECTED BY THE BANK?

Can really recommend http://microfinanceireland.ie/ Targeted at start-up or growing microenterprises across all industry sectors (includes retail).

Provide unsecured business loans of €2,000 to €25,000 for commercially viable proposals . 4 loan themes…1) Start up loan to help you get your business up and running (€5,000 to €25,000)2) Cash flow loan to support cash flow and the day to day running o the business running

(€5,000 to €25,000).Must be established 18 months3) Expansion loan to help you develop and expand your business running (€5,000 to

€25,000)4) Small loan of up to €2,000 for Start-ups and existing businesses with low funding

requirements. Simpler paperwork and quicker credit decision -72 hours

Based on business plan –everything comes back to the business plan • Term from 3 to 5 years• Reduced Interest Rate 6.8% APR for LEO clients• Flexibility on repayment terms• First 3 months – Interest Only payments• No fees/no hidden costs /fixed repayments• Free Mentoring – up to 5 sessions for Start Up Loan• Useful loan calculator -

http://www.microfinanceireland.ie/apply-now/loan-calculator/

Interesting Microfinance Ireland are offering loans up to €5,000 at a discounted rate of 5% to all Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition applicants.

.

Successful applicants

At It Again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnhYj0E35ME

WDC Micro-Loan Fund: Creative Industries

The WDC provides micro-loans of €5,000-€25,000 to creative industry businesses for periods of 3-5 years. http://www.wdc.ie/wdc-investment-fund/micro-loan-fund/

EXAMPLE - Nadura Design http://nadhura.ie/ Established in May 2012 by two graduates from GMIT’sFurniture College in Letterfrack, Nadura Design is an international ecommerce business that provides original furniture designs, tailored online by the customer, using very simple and user-friendly web-based product selection and customisation tools. The furniture is designed based on sustainable principles and is manufactured in the customer’s home country/region by a member of Nadura Design’s network of manufacturing partners.

Successful applicants

Bandit Films and StudioNorthWest TVFounded in 1989 Bandit Films and StudioNorthWest TV is a video, film and photography, digital media, Radio and TV broadcasting and Publishing company and produces short films, TV documentaries and feature films. More recently, the company has been a developer of an online distribution outlet for the film work of producers based in the North West. The company used the WDC’s micro-loan funding to complete the production of the feature film, Black Ice, and for its promotion and marketing.Visit: www.studionorthwest.tv

4) Crowd Funding

Crowdfunding is the financing of a new project by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people. Thousands of people and organisations across Europe have raised funding through crowdfunding platforms, including cultural and creative projects. Out of around 600 crowdfunding platforms in Europe, some 150 focus on or are open to hosting cultural and creative projects. Creative professionals and cultural organisations use crowdfunding not only to raise money online for any idea or project but simultaneously build up a community and improve visibility.

Crowdfunding stands for a variety of different ‘fundraising’ models. It can take the form of • Charity - when people donate to an individual, project or organisation while

receiving no financial or material return in exchange• Pre-selling - when people donate towards the creation of a specific product, such as

CD, design, gadget etc.• Peer-to-Peer lending - borrowing from a number of lenders via an online platform,

each lender lending a (small) amount in return for financial compensation• Equity lending - when people lend money to individuals or organisations in

exchange for company shares

Different platforms facilitate different fundraising models. Finding the right funding model for your project is an important step for a successful campaign.

• Advantages: Access to capital without equity stakes or rigid bureaucracy.

• Disadvantages: A lot of projects never get off the ground which can be frustrating given the amount of time you can spend setting up the campaign.

Most crowdfunding platforms have an “All or nothing” model meaning that if the funding goal of the campaign is not reached, all the contributions are returned back to the backers.

Some donation-based funding allow for “Take it all” meaning that even if you do not reach your target amount, you can still keep the amount donated into your campaign.

Different platforms apply different charges depending on the model you chose.

The Costs• Platform Hosting Fee:

Some platforms, although not all, charge an initial cost just for hosting your campaign. This cost varies from €0-300 and will be charged to all projects, be that successfully fundraised or not. Ask platforms what fee applies to them before starting the campaign.

• Success fee:The majority of crowdfunding platforms will take a percentage of the total amount raised. The percentage varies from platform to platform and ranges between 3% and 12% of total raised.

• Payment processing fees:Look out also for a service fee for every transaction made. Usually this fee is on average 3%. For instance, for every €100 donation/investment, only €97 reaches the campaign.

Check each platform carefully to assess the real costs behind same.

NICHE EXAMPLES - check out https://www.crowdfunding4culture.eu/map-as-table

Sector Focus: Performing ArtsCrowdfunding Model: RewardCountry: ItalyYear: 2016Costs: PayPal fee: 3,4% + 0,35€ per transactionFundraising type: All or nothingCrowdarts is the first Crowdfunding platform and Community dedicated to Performing Art which enables the spreading and realization of innovative ideas in this sector through the support of the communityhttps://www.crowdarts.eu/en/

Sector Focus: GeneralCrowdfunding Model: RewardCountry: United KingdomYear: 2011Costs: 12%BORN is a market network where exciting creators can showcase their new products, their personal profiles, their brands and their teams. It’s where devotees of quality design can discover stylish, ingenious, pioneering products.https://beta.born.com/

NICHE EXAMPLES - check out https://www.crowdfunding4culture.eu/map-as-table

Sector Focus: DesignCrowdfunding Model: RewardCountry: NetherlandsYear: 2013Costs: UndisclosedFundraising type: All or nothingWe are CROWDY HOUSE – a premiere (launch) platform and marketplace for designers and makers, both new and established. Our mission is to democratise the design industry by helping designers and makers sell directly to design fans all over the worldhttps://crowdyhouse.com/

Sector Focus: Cultural and Creative SectorsCrowdfunding Model: RewardCountry: IrelandYear: 2011Costs: Basic fee of 5%Fundraising type: All or nothingFund it is an all-island crowdfunding website for Ireland’s creative projects, giving everyone the power to help good ideas happen. Fund it is based in Ireland, run by Business to Arts, a not-for-profit organisation working to support resilience and transformation in the cultural sector through research, innovation and partnership.http://fundit.ie/browse

                          Fund ItSector Focus:

Cultural and Creative SectorsCrowdfunding Model: RewardCountry: IrelandYear: 2011Costs: Basic fee of 5%Fundraising type: All or nothingFund it is an all-island crowdfunding website for Ireland’s creative projects, giving everyone the power to help good ideas happen. Fund it is based in Ireland, run byBusiness to Arts, a not-for-profit organisation working to support resilience and transformation in the cultural sector through research, innovation and partnership

Michael Budd, Blacksmith, Ireland

www.michaelbudd.ie

To attend CanIRON 2015 an international blacksmith event in Cape Breton.

16 backers pledged €1,080 to help bring this project to life.

Example of funding success on fundit

Review how Michael crafted his campaign - http://fundit.ie/project/art-and-craft-tourism

What Michael offered for pledges • €10 + Hand-forged MB anvil tag and a

big thank you.• €50 + Hand-forged forge mouse plus a

thank you card.• €100 + Hand-forged forge mouse, MB

anvil tag, plus a thank you card.• €200 + One day Blacksmith course.• €500 + Small unique sculpture, plus a

thank you card

Let’s look at key crowd funding platforms

www.kickstarter.com

Kickstarter is an enormous global community built around creativity and creative projects.

Kickstarter helps artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and other creators find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality.

Important to check out the Creator Handbookhttps://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook?ref=learn_faq

See.Sense - Iconic cycle lighting

A niche online sales product www.seesense.cc

The promoters of See.Sense are cyclists themselves.

Based in Northern Ireland they started the company in April 2013 and their first Kickstarter campaign for See.Sense lights launched in October that year. Since then they have gone from strength the strength, with the simple goal of enhancing performance and enjoyment of cyclists around the world.

Through Kickstarter, they almost doubled their pledges goal.

Example of funding success on Kickstarter

Amy Stephens, Confections in Ireland

http://www.amystevensart.com

From US and wanted to take up a Artist in Residence at a bakery in Roscommon, Ireland as part of the Art@Work programme

Prints for airfare and expenses. 33 backers pledged $2,025 to help bring this project to life.

Example of funding success on Kickstarter

Review how Amy crafted her campaign - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1860505735/confections-in-ireland?ref=nav_search

CROWD FUNDING PLATFORMSiCrowdFund:An Irish crowdfunding company from the same people that developed iDonate and iFundraiseRate: 4% commission Website: www.icrowdfund.ie

Linked Finance:Another Irish owned crowdfunding site with favourable commission rates. Rate: 2.5% commission Website: www.linkedfinance.com

www.linkedfinance.comLinked Finance:

ExerciseReview 3 crowdfunding platforms and pick a project from each platformRate each project in terms of • How the crowdfunding opportunity is

crafted and marketed• What makes it appealing?• What can you learn from their approach?

If the recipe isn’t right, use rejections as a learning experience

Everybody gets rejections from grant funders at some time, learn from your mistakes:

• Ask for feedback- even if your rejection letter specifies a reason for your rejection, asking for verbal

feedback will sometimes bring you a fuller and more open response.

• Reflect on your approach – be honest with yourself. Did you rush the application? Did you really

think you met the priorities or were you spinning things a little?

• Find out what did get funded – funders often publish lists of what they did fund. What do you

notice about the projects that got funded? Were the creatives at a different stage of their career to

you? Were you asking for much more (or less) money than they received? Were you applying for

activities that this funder hasn’t supported?