Renfrewshire Council

On this page:

• Who can apply
• What support you will receive
• How to apply
• How your application will be assessed
• What happens if your application is successful
• Application dates
• More information

Who can apply 

Our free InCube Creative programme supports makers and designers to start and grow their business.

The programme is available to support a range of creative retail businesses, including fashion, textiles, jewellery and crafts.

Sole traders, social enterprises, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited companies can also apply.

You can apply if you:

• are based in Renfrewshire or are considering setting up your business in Renfrewshire
• can commit to attending the core programme up to two days per week for six months.

This business support programme is not for businesses in politics, religion, the sex industry, nude or semi-nude modelling or photography, gambling and pyramid selling.

What support you will receive

If your application is successful, you will receive a support package for up to 12 months including:

• e-commerce, branding, website creation and social media
• 'how to' workshops on marketing, bookkeeping, sales, customer service, business growth planning
• business advisory support
• one-to-one online business mentoring
• support to progress to subsidised studio space in Renfrewshire.

The core programme will be delivered over six months with follow-up support available for a further six months.

Workshops and one-to-one meetings will take place online or face-to-face at InCube Hub, 27 High Street, Paisley, PA1 2AF. 

How to apply

Applications are open for the InCube Creative programme summer 2023 intake.

If you are interested, fill out our application form by Monday 29 May 2023.

We will then send you a template for a business plan. You can tell us about your business, what skills or talents you will bring to it and what your vision is for launching or growing your business.

If we think the programme will work for you, we will invite you to our Pitching Panel to discuss your business plan, products and ideas.

How your application will be assessed 

Your application will be assessed on:

• the originality of your business idea
• your business qualities - enthusiasm, ambition, creativity and drive
• your business plan
• a clear vision for growing your business.

What happens if your application is successful

If your application is successful, you will:

• take part in the six-month core programme, with follow-up support available for a further six months
• follow actions or development work identified in workshops and one-to-one sessions
• display the InCube logo on your website and mention InCube in any publicity
• take part in events and markets that will benefit your business.

Application dates

The key dates in the application process are:

• closing date for applications: Monday 29 May 2023
• Pitching Panel: Thursday 1 June 2023
• successful applicants announced: Friday 2 June 2023
• induction and start date: Wednesday 14 June 2023

More information

If you have any questions about the InCube Creative business programme, email cindy.robb@renfrewshire.gov.uk