Aspiring creatives will get free access to business support this autumn, as the University of South Wales (USW) and Welsh ICE team up to deliver an eight-week creative enterprise bootcamp, designed to help people turn creative ideas into real-world ventures.
The USW Creative Bootcamp, beginning 23 September 2025 at the university’s Treforest campus, is open to anyone aged 18 or over, whether they’re recent graduates, early-career freelancers, or simply exploring self-employment in the creative industries.
This project is a continuation of an existing, bigger project funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council called CABAN (Creative Artist and Business Action Network), which is Welsh for ‘cabin’ or ‘gathering’. The programme is fully funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and is free to attend.
With sessions running weekly until 18 November, the bootcamp combines practical workshops, creative exercises, and peer collaboration, aimed at helping participants test ideas, build confidence, and explore next steps in business or freelance careers. No formal business background is needed.
Richie Turner, Incubator Manager at USW Startup Stiwdio, said:
“USW Startup Stiwdio is delighted to be able to extend the Creative Artist and Business Action Network (CABAN) in RCT to support anyone with a new creative idea to turn it into a sustainable business. Working again with our partners RCT Council and Welsh ICE, who we have worked together many times in Newport, and are also hugely experienced at supporting freelancers and startup businesses.”
This programme is part of a wider mission to make entrepreneurship more inclusive and accessible, especially within the arts, design and media sectors, which often lack tailored early-stage support.
Hope Eckley, ICE Academy Manager at Welsh ICE, said:
“This bootcamp is about giving people the space and confidence to explore creative careers, whatever stage they’re at. Whether someone wants to freelance, build a side hustle, or start a business, this course offers the tools, structure, and community to help them move forward.
“We’ve seen time and again that creativity is abundant across South Wales, but many people don’t have access to the right support at the right time. This programme is a response to that.”
Bootcamp Details
The USW Creative Bootcamp will run from Tuesday, 23 September to Tuesday, 18 November, with weekly in-person sessions from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Treforest campus’ Engagement Hub.
Participants will gain:
- Insight into turning creative work into sustainable income
- Confidence to test business ideas without pressure
- Peer support in a collaborative environment
- Practical guidance from experienced facilitators and mentors
- Access to the wider Welsh ICE community for ongoing support
How to Apply:
Spaces on the bootcamp are limited and expected to fill quickly. To register or find out more, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/usw-creative-bootcamp-tickets-1621030468769
Or contact the Welsh ICE team at hello@welshice.org / 02920 140 040.
Source: USW Launches Free Creative Bootcamp for Aspiring Freelancers & Start-Ups
