Create Growth D2 Hub

We are a collaborative hub, of policymakers, creative businesses, public sector representatives and creative space managers, part of the East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC2). Our mission is to ignite  curiosity, promote engagement, and support the commercial potential of our region's creative sectors. We aim to foster a sense of belonging and ownership in the creative community and unlock the growth potential of creative businesses in Derby and Derbyshire.

We are one of three dynamic hubs established in September 2023 as part of a nationally funded programme operating at a regional level. De Montfort University, University of Lincoln, and University of Derby lead the hubs, each focusing on their respective partner regions.

We’re working closely with partners across the East Midlands, including the Nottinghamshire Create Growth programme and the emerging Combined County Authority, to ensure creative businesses here aren’t just supported – they’re leading the way.

What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a lasting impact. Beyond the project's end date, we aspire to leave a legacy that benefits the entire creative landscape. Our focus is not just on the present but building a foundation for the future.

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What We Offer

The D2 Hub aims to:

  • Support creative entrepreneurs to access funding and investment
  • Connect creative businesses to innovation and technology
  • Connect you with regional networks and opportunities
  • Provide access to events, workshops, business bootcamps and mentoring
  • Champion Derby and Derbyshire as a thriving creative region

At the heart of our initiative is a commitment to nurturing creative businesses.

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Eligibility

Bootcamps

The D2 Hub can support anyone working in the following sectors:

  • Advertising & Marketing
  • Architecture
  • Crafts
  • Design & Fashion
  • Film & TV
  • Video & Radio
  • Photography
  • IT, Gaming & Software
  • Publishing
  • Museum, Galleries & Libraries
  • Music, Performing & Visual Art

D2 Hub
Based in Derby and/or Derbyshire the D2 hub can support any subsectors.

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Meet the Team

Samanta

Samantha Deakin

I head up the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Service across the university of Derby, which aims to inspire, initiate and incubate entrepreneurial passion and ideas among our on- and off-campus communities. My background is in entrepreneurial ecosystems, high-growth technology start-ups, and equity investment. I’ve launched and grown a number of my own start-ups, and have worked directly with hundreds of entrepreneurs to launch and grow theirs. I’m a SFEDI accredited business coach and ‘super connector.’ And I’m committed to building and leading a service that supports the next generation of future game changers.

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Michelle Hallam

A Project Officer in the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship team, Michelle brings over a decade of experience across multiple departments at the University of Derby.

Michelle manages the Create Growth Project, supporting the scale-up of creative businesses across Derbyshire, and oversees the upcoming co-working subscription in the new Cavendish Building.

With a passion for enterprise and deep insight into university operations, Michelle is committed to driving business growth and innovation.

East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) and Create Growth Programme

The East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. After securing £1.2m of funding in 2022 and through the delivery of the Create Growth programme hundreds of regional creative companies have accessed support.

The Create Growth Programme was set up in 2022 by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sports (DCMS), with £17.5 million investment in six regions, of which £7m was provided to Innovate UK to invest via a series of awarded competitions.

During that time EMC² has managed intensive and fully funded support helping 100 regional businesses develop their growth ambitions through tailored workshops and 1:1 mentoring.

Our industry specific webinars have also supported hundreds of regional businesses and advised on issues such as IP, managing finance and exploring R&D credits. Investment readiness workshops have helped prepare  East Midlands companies to access finance and initiatives aimed at helping creative companies grow.

The investment is aimed at creative businesses in the East Midlands with high-growth potential which have yet to reach the scaling stage.

Eligible businesses should be registered in:

  • Leicester and Leicestershire
  • Derby and Derbyshire
  • Lincoln, Lincolnshire, and Rutland

And can be:

  • Companies of any size
  • Trading for at least 2 years
  • Have potential to scale up

For more information – www.eastmidlandscreategrowth.co.uk

Earlier this year, DCMS confirmed an extension to the scheme with funding now in place until March 2026.

Register your interest