Business Mentorship Program for Creative Startups (during uncertain times)
About this good practice
The Valletta Design Cluster opened its doors last year and promotes an inclusive program to support its creative communities during and after the pandemic time
Resources needed
For the Business Mentorship Program for Creative Startups: One project coordinator; two session facilitators; budget to buy program materials and to pay for the facilitator services
Evidence of success
Participants made their businesses more sustainable, increased the sale of their products and services, managed to start new projects with other participants in the Program and received practical tips to support their businesses in pandemic time. One of the companies developed a new business concept (emerging from the original start-up) which became official in 2022, while another company won the Malta Creative Business Cup, and represented Malta at the European Creative Business Cup.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Program is considered a good practice because of the nature of its content and the time in which it was implemented. The practice of gathering together to share knowledge and practical skills was found particularly important, as this became a resource in times of normality and, in particular, in times of emergency. This practice is applicable to all regions and sectors, and is particularly relevant to the creative sectors, where financial sustainability can be a serious issue for many practitioners. The practice also offers the opportunity to reflect on the specificity of creative businesses, and on issues affecting this sector. Similar practices could be adopted in other regions in the post-pandemic era, where businesses are still in a recovery phase and need longer-term support, including from local business experts and mentors. The provision of coworking co-creative spaces to allow creative businesses to flourish is also key success element for the practice.