Announcing HORIZONS-2

 Submit your eligibility check now to apply in January.

 

Following the success of HORIZONS in 2024, we are launching HORIZONS-2 for 2026. This is an accelerator programme aimed at start-ups and emerging production companies, designed to accelerate growth and ensure participants are well prepared to navigate the challenges of the rapidly evolving media landscape. 

If you are a Glasgow-based company working in the creative industries, HORIZONS-2 could be for you!

 

HORIZONS-2 is being run by Film City Futures and is aimed at Scottish companies creating content with the potential to be exploited across the wider creative industries sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

 

Potential participants may include companies who have experience of working in film, tv, animation, podcasts, radio, commercial/branded content, digital and short-form video, visual arts, theatre; as well as service-provider companies that are looking to create their own content and IP.

 

HORIZONS-2 will be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and inclusivity within the Creative Industries sector in Scotland. It will empower entrepreneurs, strengthen the ecosystem, and position Scotland as a dynamic hub for media production and innovation, ultimately benefitting the cultural, economic, and creative landscape and enabling companies to compete effectively at an international level.

 

The project offers:

  • Skills development

  • Ideas exchange and collaboration

  • Access to expert guidance

  • Greater levels of innovation

  • Greater access to non-public funding channels

  • Increased visibility for Scottish entrepreneurs

  • Networking opportunities with established business and creative companies

 

12 - 14 companies will be selected, and HORIZONS-2 will run from January – March 2026. The programme will consist of a series of seminars and workshops delivered over 6 to 8 days in total, led by senior executives and trainers from across the creative industries.

 

Each participating company will be assigned two mentors for the duration of the programme: one to focus on company business/leadership, and the other on creativity, development, and innovation.

 

The programme provides a safe and supportive space for participants to have discussion with seminar leads and peers, enabling participants to build networks, exploring synergies and identify potential collaborations.

We particularly encourage diverse-led companies to apply. By diverse-led we mean companies that have Heads/MDs of the company with diverse backgrounds, as well as companies that can demonstrate strong EDI approaches, systems and voices through their work, processes and access.


How to apply:

To check your eligibility for the Programme please see criteria here:

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/5656/Glasgow-Business-Growth-Phase-3

 

Applications will be done in two stages.

Stage 1 – To check eligibility please complete Glasgow Business Growth Application Form: 

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/5653/Glasgow-Business-Growth-Application-Form

 

Please have the following documents ready before starting the form:

·       Proof of trading address

·       Copy of lease (if business not liable for Non-Domestic Rates)

·       Any other relevant supporting information

 

Stage 2 - applications for HORIZONS-2:

This will open in early January, with a link to the Guidelines, our HORIZONS-2 Application Form and EDI Monitoring Form. FYI - These completed applications will be required around mid-January. Please ensure you complete the form above ASAP in order to be able to apply in January.

 For questions about the HORIZONS-2 programme, please contact hello@filmcityfutures.com

HORIZONS-2 is part of Glasgow City Council's Glasgow Business Growth Programme and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be delivered by the team at Film City Futures.