Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprise

The creative industries are the fastest-growing sector of the UK economy. They employ two million people and provide one in every eleven jobs. The contribution of creative businesses to UK life goes beyond their economic value. Artists, performers and designers bring new ideas and perspectives into the mainstream. Creative people are frequently the first to adopt new technologies. They often lead the way in responding to issues in society too.

The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprise have kick-started the careers of aspiring creative entrepreneurs for almost 25 years. Each year, five winners receive £10,000 in start-up capital, business training and mentoring from Deutsche Bank professionals to steer them through their first year in business and beyond. Five runners up receive £1,000 plus training and mentoring.

The project creates a pipeline of future creative entrepreneurs by complementing the careers support provided by universities and colleges. Business planning workshops on campus and online resources provide insight into the realities of setting up and running a business.

In addition to the winners each year, many more students gain the inspiration and information they need to turn their ideas into a creative project or enterprise of their own when they graduate.