Creative Enterprise announces the return of the Female Founders Programme for 2026, sponsored by British Business Bank

Today, 17 June, Creative Enterprise, part of Creative UK, is pleased to announce the return of its transformative Female Founders Programme for 2026, designed to support women-led businesses across the screen industries.

The Female Founders Programme, a business support initiative supported by the British Film Institute with funding from the National Lottery, is an exclusive and highly sought-after initiative tailored to ambitious female founders operating screen-based businesses. Designed for companies that are already trading and ready to scale, the programme supports entrepreneurs working across film, television, games and creative technology to take their businesses to the next level.

Over the past five years, the Female Founders Programme has supported over 60 female-led businesses that have gone on to achieve significant industry success. Alumni from the programme have received the prestigious BAFTA and Grierson awards and have successfully attracted investment from leading organisations including the BBC and Channel 4, demonstrating the programme’s role in helping founders access both creative and commercial opportunities.

Delivered over six months, the programme offers a series of intensive workshops and holistic business coaching sessions led by experienced industry experts. Participants are guided through the process of developing a comprehensive strategy for sustainable growth, while gaining practical insights into key areas such as business planning, funding and finance, market positioning, team development, and hiring. A central part of the programme is its focus on community. Participants join a vibrant and diverse cohort of female founders from across England, with a strong emphasis on regional representation.

For 2026, the programme is proudly sponsored by the British Business Bank, strengthening its mission to address barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and support more inclusive growth across the UK’s creative industries.

Sarah Jones, Project Manager for the Female Founders Programme, said:
“As we enter our sixth year of running the Female Founders Programme, it’s incredible to reflect on the impact it has had. We’ve supported a growing community of inspiring alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable success, building sustainable businesses and shaping the future of the screen industries.

We’re proud to continue that journey in 2026 and excited to welcome a new cohort of female founders. This programme is all about supporting them at a pivotal stage, equipping them with the tools, networks and confidence they need to scale and take their businesses to the next level.”

Emily Cloke, CEO of Creative UK, said:

“Championing female founders is vital to building a more inclusive and sustainable screen sector. The success of our alumni is clear evidence that this kind of targeted support works, with so many going on to achieve major creative and commercial milestones. It's vital we keep investing in female-led businesses and ensuring they have access to the networks, finance and expertise they need to scale. We’re proud to continue this work in partnership with the BFI and the British Business Bank, whose support is instrumental in helping us expand the programme’s reach and impact across the UK.”

Richard Bearman, Chief Development Officer from the British Business Bank added:

“We’re proud to sponsor the Female Founders Programme for 2026. Female founders running screen-based businesses face many barriers to accessing the finance and support needed to scale. Supporting these businesses to strengthen capability, networks and investment readiness is key to unlocking growth and innovation. This partnership reflects the British Business Bank’s commitment to improving access to finance for female entrepreneurs and backing more inclusive growth across the UK.”

Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2026 Female Founders Programme are now open to eligible businesses based in England.

For full details on the programme, including eligibility, key dates and how to apply, visit the Female Founders Programme page: https://creativeenterprise.wearecreative.uk/female-founders

To support prospective applicants, Creative Enterprise will host a Meet the Mentors session on Monday 30 June, offering an opportunity to hear directly from programme mentors, learn more about what to expect, and ask questions ahead of applying.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-mentors-female-founders-2026-tickets-1991203109101

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 8 July 2026 at 5:00pm. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.