CREW is accepting expressions of interest for the upcoming Creative Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (CEED ) incubation programme developed in partnership with ATU’s School of Design and Creative Arts, Galway City (Wellpark Rd ) campus and supported by LEO Galway.
This free, accredited programme supports entrepreneurs working in the creative digital industries (CreaTech ) through the start-up process. It is targeted at early-stage entrepreneurs, providing strategic assistance in business idea validation, customer discovery, market research, professional pitching and the development of a business plan. The programme allows participants to develop and enhance their network in the creative digital industries across all sectors.
The highly dynamic and innovative CEED programme is an accredited postgraduate certificate programme (Level 9 ), is delivered in partnership with ATU, and includes a team of industry experts and mentors. It is both knowledge and industry led with opportunities for individual mentorship, peer to peer learning, and immersion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem through hub accommodation at CREW. It is a part-time programme, delivered in a hybrid format including weekly seminars online and monthly in person symposia at CREW. The next programme will run from September 2026 to May 2027.
Online seminars each week provide entrepreneurs with the framework for validating their business idea with the support of experienced mentors. Industry events and networking activities introduce participants to the creative industries and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the West of Ireland. Experts from CREW’s network of partners and creative SMEs have contribute their expertise and insights throughout the programme.
The CEED programme has supported 64 early-stage entrepreneurs in the creative digital industries since 2022, with entrepreneurs working across fashion-tech and machine learning, film and tv production, e-learning, digital design and virtual creative services. Successful graduates earn a Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate (30 ECTS ), and many have pursued further programmes such as CREW’s CLIMB (Creative Leaders Innovating for Market & Business Growth ) and Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme. CEED alumni consistently note both the knowledge and practical, industry experience gained from the programme, and also the importance of developing an entrepreneurial community that is rooted in the creative industries.
CREW supports the growth of creative and digital businesses across sectors including film and television, animation, games, immersive technologies, design, content creation, digital media and emerging creative technologies. Through its Creative Enterprise & Innovation Hub in Galway, CREW provides a range of business growth supports including incubation and accelerator programmes, mentoring, investment and pitch preparation, industry masterclasses, international collaboration opportunities, networking events, workspace and content creation studio facilities, and access to a growing ecosystem of creative enterprises and strategic partners. CREW’s programmes are designed to support founders from idea stage through to market growth and scale, with a particular focus on IP-led businesses, digital innovation and enterprise development within the creative industries.
Registration for the Creative Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development certificate programme is now open and accepting expressions of interest until August 26th More information and registration details can be found at Creative Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development • CREW and follow social media channels @crewdigital.ie for news and updates.
Aoife Kilkelly is the founder of Rogue Marketing, a Galway-based creative marketing agency helping businesses find their voice, build their brand and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Rogue was built on the belief that brands don’t need to blend in; they need to stand out.
Why did you decide to participate in the CEED programme? Why now?
I had reached a point where I knew I wanted to turn my experience and creative skills into a business, but I needed the structure and confidence to take that next step. Starting a company can feel overwhelming, especially when you are focused on delivering great creative work but need to think about strategy, positioning, finances and growth.
CEED provided the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and really examine my business idea, who I wanted to work with, and how I could create a sustainable company.
How did the CEED programme help you validate your idea?
CEED helped me move from having the idea to having a clearer business direction. Through the lectures, workshops, mentorship and conversations with other entrepreneurs, I was able to refine what Rogue offers and better understand the market need for my services.
The programme encouraged me to think beyond just the creative side of the business and focus on the value I was providing to clients: what problems I was solving, what made my approach different, and how I could communicate that clearly.
Would you recommend CEED to other creatives exploring a new business idea?
Absolutely. CEED is a valuable programme for any creative who has the ambition to build a business but may not have experience with the entrepreneurial side of things.
The programme gives you practical tools, expert guidance and, importantly, a community of people who are on a similar journey. Being surrounded by other creatives who are developing their own ideas creates a really supportive environment where you can share challenges, learn from others and build confidence.
Any other advice/thoughts?
My advice to other creatives would be not to wait until everything is perfect before starting. Having a strong creative skillset is a great foundation, but learning how to shape that into a business is a process.
Programmes like CEED and supports like CREW give you the space to ask the right questions and challenge your thinking. The biggest value for me was not just the knowledge gained, but having the time, support and network to make my business idea into something real.
