The Program:

Week1: Creative Business Fundamentals.

Understanding the market. Legal and regulatory requirements. Trends and the competitive landscape. Developing your business plan.
Week 2: Financial Management, Operations and Production.
Understanding intellectual property protection, branding, and trademarks. Budgeting and financial forecasting. Pricing strategies and cost analysis. Funding options for startups (e.g., loans, grants, investors). Setting up a studio. Supply chain management and sourcing materials. Inventory management and quality control.
Week 3: Marketing & Branding.
Brand identity and storytelling. Creating a marketing plan. Leveraging social media and digital marketing channels. Sales strategies for different channels (e.g., retail, wholesale, online). Building relationships with distributors and retailers. Direct-to-consumer sales tactics (e.g., markets). Customer Experience and Feedback.
Week 4: Scaling and Growth.
Strategies for scaling your creative business sustainably. Expanding product lines or diversifying offerings. Hiring and managing employees as you grow.

What to expect:

Our weekly meetings takes place on Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm AEST online via Zoom. If you are unable to attend you will be sent a recording of the presentation.

Format:

• Presentations by subject matter experts Discussion and Q&A
• Accountability and goal setting for the next month.
• 1 x 60-minute one-on-one mentoring sessions to support you as your business grows.
• Access to resources to support your journey

Cost:

$1,500 + GST for the 4 week program.

How to apply:

We accept applications throughout the year. The application process involves an informal discussion with one of our business advisers to determine whether the program is a good fit for you. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your interest.

About Us

Creative Founders is a program designed by Lighthouse, a respected business advisory organisation established in 2008 to strengthen Canberra's entrepreneurial community. Since becoming fully independent in 2014, Lighthouse has supported over 800 businesses annually across Australia, providing expert mentoring and advisory services across all industries.

Through Creative Founders, we bring this experience to early-stage creative entrepreneurs, offering tailored guidance, peer group support, and access to trusted industry networks. From compliance and production to marketing and distribution, our mission is to give creative businesses the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow and succeed.