Whether you’re dreaming of starting something new, want to explore a creative side hustle, or simply need some direction for your ideas, these fun, informal workshops are your chance to find your people, find your path, and find the confidence to take the next step.
What to expect
Creative Workshops are a relaxed, in-person space.
You don’t need a business plan. You don’t even need a business idea.
You just need a talent, a passion, or something you’re good at – and a desire to do something more with it.
- Explore self-employment without pressure
- Learn the real business basics in a fun, creative way
- Meet other local creatives at all stages of their journey
- Ask questions (or just listen)
- Hear from people who’ve done it before
- Get plugged into Sunderland’s growing creative ecosystem
Meet the Speaker
Helen Wardropper, Creative Business Adviser at North East BIC.
Helen gets it. She's walked the walk as a caricature artist and now helps others to turn their creative dreams into business reality.
What you'll learn
In this session, we’ll help you map out your creative journey so you can turn big ideas into practical plans that actually work. Here’s what we’ll explore:
- Understand the importance of planning for your business
- How to create a viable and winning business map
- How to plan, do, and review at all stages
- How to understand the market you’ll be operating in
- Understand the link between finance and market research
- Find out what support is out there for creatives like you
This is also your gateway to everything else the BIC offers to help businesses get off the ground and grow. That includes one-to-one support, on-demand learning, mentoring, further workshops, Growth Lab events, introductions to useful connections, and more. Just dip into what’s right for you.
Who it's for
This workshop is perfect for you if:
- You live in the Sunderland Local Authority area
- You’re thinking about a business, side hustle or creative project
- You like learning in a hands-on, creative, and informal setting
- You want to meet like-minded creatives and collaborators
Venue
North East Disabilities Resource Centre, 4 Valiant Close, Hendon Sunderland, SR1 2BS.
Feeling nervous?
You’re not alone. We know it can be daunting to walk into something new.
That’s why our community workshops are small, welcoming, and designed to be judgement free. No pressure. No business jargon. Just people helping people.
Still unsure?
Email helen.wardropper@ne-bic.co.uk - she'll walk you through what to expect and help you feel ready.
What we are (and what we're not)
What we are
- A support network for creatives
- Practical, down-to-earth help for free
- Working for the good of our communities
- Focused on your goals – personal and professional
What we’re not
- A formal business school
- Teachers with checklists
- Suited and booted
- Here to sell you anything or to pressure you into starting a business
This event is supported by Enterprising Sunderland and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
