Digital Business Skills for Creators & Freelancers in Berkshire
Many talented creators struggle with the business side of their creativity. Creating beautiful work is one thing – finding customers, marketing effectively, and building a sustainable income is another challenge entirely. Our fully funded 12-week start-up bootcamp is specifically designed for creatives in Reading and throughout Berkshire who want to professionalise their creativity.
Our hands-on training provides the practical skills you need to find customers, price your work appropriately, and create sustainable income streams from your creative talents.
What You'll Learn. Essential Business Skills
Our comprehensive training programme covers everything you need to transform your creativity into a business.
Building Your Creative Brand Online
Learn how to showcase your work effectively and build a brand that attracts the right clients:
Creating a portfolio website that effectively presents your creative work
Developing a distinctive brand that reflects your unique creative vision
Establishing yourself on the right social platforms for your creative discipline
Using visual content effectively to showcase your talents
Finding and Attracting Your Ideal Clients
Discover strategies to connect with clients who value your work and will pay appropriately:
Identifying your ideal client base in the Berkshire area and beyond
Creating compelling content that resonates with your target audience
Building email marketing systems to nurture prospective clients
Implementing local SEO strategies to be found by nearby customers
Using social media strategically to build awareness and engage potential clients
Business Essentials for Creative Professionals
Develop the practical business skills that aren't taught in art school:
Pricing your creative work confidently and profitably
Managing client relationships professionally
Creating efficient booking or sales systems
Building multiple revenue streams from your creative practice
Understanding the basics of taxes and accounting for creative businesses
Why Choose Our Creative Business Training
Our bootcamp offers several unique advantages for creatives in Reading and Berkshire:
Practical Focus on Creative Businesses We understand the unique challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs and address them directly with practical solutions.
Twice-Weekly In-Person Sessions Meet face-to-face in Reading twice each week, creating accountability and allowing for personalised support as you develop your creative business.
Community of Like-Minded Creatives Connect with other creative entrepreneurs in Berkshire, creating valuable networks, possible collaborations, and a supportive community.
Expert Guidance from Successful Creative Entrepreneurs Learn from instructors who understand both the creative and business aspects of running a successful creative practice.
Affordable Access Through Government Co-funding Eligible participants are fully funded the course fee through government initiatives supporting creative entrepreneurs. Read our FAQ’s
“I really enjoyed the Digital Marketing course at the Curious Academy. It was not only informative but also a lot of fun. The course covered various aspects of digital marketing, and I found the content to be well-structured.”
Is This Course Right For Your Creative Business?
Our bootcamp is perfect for you if:
You create quality work that people admire, but struggle to monetise consistently
You're selling occasionally but want to make your creative practice your primary income
You're tired of underpricing your work but unsure how to attract better-paying clients
You want to build a professional presence that elevates your creative practice
You're committed to attending twice-weekly sessions in Reading
The course is suitable for various creators and freelancers, including photography, fine art, illustration, crafts, fashion, music, jewellery making, textile arts, ceramics, design services, and many others.
Bridging the Gap Between Creativity and Business
Many creative professionals excel at their craft but struggle with the business fundamentals needed for success. Our course bridges this gap, helping you:
Overcome the discomfort many creatives feel around selling and self-promotion
Develop confidence in pricing your work at its true value
Create marketing that feels authentic to your creative vision
Build business systems that don't compromise your artistic integrity
Connect with clients who truly appreciate and will pay for quality creative work
Funding & Eligibility
Our Small Business Digital Marketing Bootcamp is fully funded for self-employed and unemployed individuals, meaning there are no course fees to pay.
Eligibility Criteria:
UK/EU residency status
Age 19+ at the start of the course
Self-employed status or currently unemployed
Not currently enrolled in another government-funded course
Additional criteria apply – we'll guide you through the full eligibility check
Develop Your Creative Business in Reading
Taking the first step toward transforming your creativity into a thriving business is just a conversation away. Contact The Curious Academy in Reading to discuss your creative practice, check your eligibility for funding, and secure your place on our next small business bootcamp.
Our central Reading location makes our training accessible from throughout Berkshire, with excellent transport connections and nearby parking options.
Turn your creative passion into a profitable business with the digital skills, practical guidance, and supportive community you need for success.
Ready to turn your creative talents into a thriving business? The Curious Academy's 12-week business bootcamp provides the digital skills and practical guidance you need. Contact us today to begin your creative business journey in Reading.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more before applying please complete this form and we will be in touch.