Business incubators are programs designed to accelerate the successful development of businesses

through an array of support resources and services. At DF our incubator package is specifically for makers

who want to grow and become more successful and at the same time develop creatively.

The incubator model has been tried and tested. According to Business News Daily, “After five years,

businesses that were nurtured in a business incubator have a survival rate of 87%, KiZs said. By contrast,

the survival rate for companies that go it alone without the benefits of incubator support is 44%.”

At DF we carefully monitor and evaluate the impact of our services to ensure they provide good results.

Every participant who joins DF receives an ini7al diagnostic to identify their business and personal

development needs. We then help you create a development plan to guide you through the early stages

of sending up your business. You have access to workshops, seminars and one-to-one coaching, as well as

selling and promotional opportunities, including our twice-yearly open houses.

We take a person-centred approach, which means you will receive a bespoke package of support

whatever stage of career you are at. In addition to creating your development plan with our business

coaches, established businesses will typically want to access our specialist advisors, advice about being an

employer and access to finance. You will benefit from being part of a dynamic and creative community

with all the benefits of a supportive team.

• An application (All relevant official required documents)

• Resume/CV

• Copy of diploma/certificates

• Professional references (2)

• Proof of English Level Test (non-natives)

For Seven-Month Fast Track

• Evidence of work experience (speak to our office for additional details)

A concept submission is required for all applications of the Design Factory. A concept form

and instructions will be provided with the admissions application.

Should my idea be fully developed before applying for the startup program?

This is not a requirement. The program is aimed at startups who may have just an idea of what they

are looking to do for their business or who may be developing their business plan. The 1-2-1 mentor

meetings and masterclasses are there to chronologically take you through the process of building a

business from user research to branding & marketing and everything in between.

A concept submission is required for all applications of the Design Factory. A concept form

and instructions will be provided with the admissions application.

Should my idea be fully developed before applying for the startup program?

This is not a requirement. The program is aimed at startups who may have just an idea of what they

are looking to do for their business or who may be developing their business plan. The 1-2-1 mentor

meetings and masterclasses are there to chronologically take you through the process of building a

business from user research to branding & marketing and everything in between.

• Completion of an induction shortly after your start date

• Regular attendance at one-to-one coaching

• Review with your business mentor (looking at your concept idea and seeing goals for the next 12 months)

• Participation in our winter and summer Open House showcase day

• Updating your DF profile, products and services in our online directory

• Cooperation with requests for feedback via DF surveys and questionnaires

• Participation in ‘meet the artist’ evening events with DF supporters [occasional]

Additional requirements for DF participants are:

• Attendance at the full set of workshops

• Commitment to developing your practice during the award period and being present for at least

16 hours (two 8-hour days) each week during the dura7on of the program

There is a two-stage application process. At stage one the selection committee appraises every

application against our selection criteria.

To be considered eligible, you must be a designer with a creative basis to the work you are designing and

producing. We also look for evidence of skills and imagina7on, commitment to business growth and

creative development, environmental considerations and what difference being at DF will make to your

practice/business and creative development.

At stage two, if you are successfully shortlisted, we will invite you to an interview to show your work and

talk about your vision for your future.

Please note: as part of the criteria for selecting applicants we will consider the ethical and reputational

consequences of our so doing and any implications acceptance may have for the reputation, security or

wellbeing of DF, stakeholders and other participants.

When you first contact us about making an application, we’ll send you a copy of the questions you will

need to answer. Only answer the questions that you can.

There is a guide on each answer; you should use your judgment and ensure that you have provided

enough evidence to allow us to make the best decision.

You may submit an application via the written online form and by video (Wetransfer.com).

We do not require a detailed business plan, but do send a copy if you have one, along with your CV.