Last month programme members, Ulla Tervo Architects, were awarded the Innovate UK Creative Catalyst award.
This award focused on ‘supporting the growth of untapped innovative businesses and increasing investment in creative talent’. We spoke to business founder Ulla Tervo, about her experience with applying to the Creative Catalyst Awards, and how her experience on the Create South East programme impacted her business journey.
What are the aims of the project that you won this award for?
‘Our funded project works at the intersection of architecture, public health, and sustainability; and our mission is to place human and planetary health and wellbeing at the forefront of design decision-making. We aim to empower wider audiences to make use of the latest architectural design and innovation in healthy buildings.’
How did you find the application process to the Creative Catalyst Award?
‘I first applied to both the Creative Catalyst and Create Growth in 2023 and didn’t win either. But I learned a lot from doing the applications and received helpful feedback. The Create South East training last year really helped develop my business strategies and services, and the course was instrumental in helping my company to win the grant.’
Ulla Tervo Architects are members of our stage 1 programme and joined us for a series of in person workshops throughout this year delivered with the support of six key business development coaches. These workshops focused on building and expanding your business to help strengthen our programme founders confidence and understanding of the investment space.
How else did you prepare for your application?
‘The Creative Catalyst 2024 applicant briefing workshops were also extremely helpful as they gave much more information on the correct approach to take.’
As well as this, we provide our programme members with one on one coaching time to support our founders in their growth.
Ulla Tervo Architects is currently looking for freelance architects and architectural assistants!
Find out more about Ulla Tervo Architects on their website and LinkedIn below:
Innovate Updates
The next Innovate competition is for Innovate Smart Grants and will be closing on Wednesday the 13th of November. To find out more please head to the link below.
