£13,000 Start Up Loan helps Sandwell creative workspace open its doors
Creatv Hub, is a collaborative workspace based in Sandwell, founded by designer and entrepreneur Jason Nettleford with the aim of offering flexible studio hire space to creative businesses and freelancers.
The hub can be used for:
Networking opportunities
Community projects
Temporary studio space
Housing ongoing services that don’t want to hire an entire unit.
Creatv Hub was inspired by Jason's long-held ambition to establish a space where innovative people could work together, build connections, and foster a local creative community.
Jason had the dream, but he needed funding to make it a reality. That’s where a Start Up Loan came in.
A £13,000 Start Up Loan through First Enterprise enabled Jason to launch his studio
Jason had ambitious plans. He required a large premises, funds to fit out the space, and capital to market his agency to customers. He needed to access funding.
A £13,000 Start Up Loan allowed Jason to:
Cover his initial premises costs
Purchase necessary equipment and furniture
Boost marketing efforts ahead of opening.
The Creatv Hub is now a buzzing workspace full of creative individuals and businesses. Spanning two floors, it has:
Hot desks for individuals needing temporary office space
Meeting rooms
A networking space called ‘The Grid’
A professional recording studio (Studio 50C)
A photography studio (The Hangar).
The hub also works as the homebase for Jason’s own creative agency providing design, photography, and audio skills to prospective clients.
Jason faced challenges in securing funding — First Enterprise were able to help
Jason, said of his business journey and his experience accessing finance: "Since graduating from university in 2013, I've always had a dream of building a creative space. Being surrounded by a creative network of people has always inspired me. I've always believed in collaboration and finding ways to make things better while building stronger communities.
"One of the biggest challenges was the initial cost of securing the premises and navigating the legal side of the lease agreement. The loan through First Enterprise helped with those upfront costs and has allowed me to invest in equipment, furniture, marketing and everything needed to get Creatv Hub off the ground.
"My experience with First Enterprise was absolutely brilliant. Petra was fantastic throughout the process, and we worked really well together to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible. First Enterprise have been brilliant and I'd definitely recommend them."
Petra Eddison, Jason’s Business Adviser at First Enterprise, added: "Jason had a clear vision for creating a collaborative space that would support creative professionals and local businesses. It was a pleasure to support him throughout his Start Up Loan journey and I’m excited to see Creatv Hub become a valuable asset for the local creative community."
Have an idea that you want to turn into a practical business? Funding could be the key
You might want to start a creative business like Jason. Maybe you want to develop a product to sell or launch your own independent retail store. Whatever your dream, we’re here to help.
It all begins with a conversation. Get in touch with our team of advisors by completing the form below or giving us a call at 0345 602 7355.
Access to finance doesn’t have to derail your business idea. Let us help you explore your options.
