Design Initiative, a specialist regional development agency, is looking for partners in the North West to apply for funding to support the development of creative businesses in their area.

Through our Prosper NW project, Design Initiative has the ability to offer Arts Council funding to deliver an opportunity for professional development – such as a seminar or a workshop or maybe something less traditional such as an evening social with keynote speaker or perhaps a web based learning opportunity? The subject matter or theme covered will deliver a learning opportunity to the benefit of the creative economy and increase employability and sustainability.

To date, Prosper has delivered business outputs for local agencies working in Carlisle, Kendal, St Helens, Knowsley, Frodsham, Bolton, Preston, Macclesfield, and Stockport.

All the administration, marketing and logistics of Prosper will be taken care of by Design Initiative. Timings can also fit in with any other initiatives you may have planned or are hoping to schedule for next year.

This funding is limited to one partner per North West sub-region (Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire). The funding will be given on a first come, first served basis to match £1500-£1700 per partner.

Deadline for reply: Friday 21st November 2008

Contact Alex Lamb on 0161 834 3722 or email her: alex@designinit.org.uk

www.prospernw.org.uk