In a strategic move to support Irish creative industry startups, CREW (Creative Enterprise West), has announced its selection as the Irish National Partner for the Global Creative Business Cup.

The partnership is made possible through collaboration with the Western Development Commission.

The Creative Business Cup is a prestigious international startup competition spanning more than 80 countries, celebrating the synergy of innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for creative entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators worldwide to showcase their pioneering ventures to a global audience.

Participants in this competition vie for the title of the world’s best creative industry startup while benefiting from invaluable exposure, mentorship, and access to a robust network of international industry leaders and investors.

The call for the Creative Business Cup competition is specifically aimed at registered Irish startup creative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including animation, game design, digital arts, content creation, XR, interactive design, film and TV production, and startups focused on the creative digital and tech spheres. Applications open on November 1, and all entry criteria for the Creative Business Cup can be found on crewdigital.ie

CREW will be hosting roadshow events at ConnectedHubs and Gteics through the West and North-West regions, and virtual information sessions for interested startups.

Creative entrepreneurs will be immersed in a multicultural, creative entrepreneurial environment through the Creative Business Network. This experience includes the opportunity to pitch their business ideas at the Irish Creative Business Cup national competition, hosted at CREW’s Creative Enterprise Hub in Wellpark, Galway, in March 2024.

Pictured at the announcement of The Creative Business Cup were Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW (Creative Enterprise West), and Allan Mulrooney CEO Western Development Commission.