WestBIC recently hosted its CreaSus National Event in Ireland under the EU-funded CreaSus project, bringing together creative entrepreneurs, students, industry experts and support organisations for an afternoon exploring what it takes to turn creative talent into a viable, sustainable business.
The Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs) are a vital part of Europe’s economy and identity, yet creative entrepreneurs often face distinct challenges when it comes to commercialising their work, accessing funding and embedding sustainability into their business models. The CreaSus project was developed to address exactly these challenges, equipping CCSIs with the tools, frameworks and networks needed to grow sustainably in a changing economic and environmental landscape.
The day opened with an introduction to the CreaSus project’s key outputs, including practical toolkits on business models and financial planning, alongside self-assessment resources designed specifically for creative businesses to benchmark where they are and plan where they want to go.
Ainslie Peters, Director of Programmes and Projects at CREW, led a session on demystifying innovation in the creative sector, introducing a practical framework that helps creative entrepreneurs communicate their value across creative, business and policy audiences. Attendees were invited to apply the framework through engaging group work, bringing the concepts to life through peer discussion and shared reflection.
Ailish McCormack then presented on Data2Sustain and the European Digital Innovation Hub in Ireland’s North and West, exploring how data can empower CCSIs to understand, measure and communicate their sustainability impact in meaningful ways, an increasingly important capability as reporting requirements and stakeholder expectations evolve.
The afternoon focused on the practical realities of building a business. A session on commercial validation and market testing introduced attendees to the CreaSus Business Model Toolkit, a resource developed specifically to help creative entrepreneurs structure, test and refine their commercial proposition. The session also featured a case study from Kasia McEvoy of Ted 1942, who offered honest insight into identifying early customers and building confidence in a business idea.
This was followed by an overview of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and funding landscape, anchored by the CreaSus Finance Toolkit, a resource designed to help creative businesses navigate financial planning and identify appropriate funding pathways.
Sandra Regan of Local Enterprise Office Galway outlined the supports available to early-stage founders, including Feasibility Study Grants and Priming Grants, and Kasia returned to share firsthand experience of navigating the funding journey, offering practical perspective on what investors and funders look for.
The CreaSus project continues to support creative entrepreneurs across Europe in building businesses that are both commercially viable and sustainable by design, helping to ensure that the creative sector plays its full role in the green and digital transitions.
