I’m a Creative Business
Build The Business Skills Behind Your Creative Work
Whether you are a maker, artist, designer, photographer, content creator, performer, writer, or creative freelancer, EMS can help you plan, price, promote, and grow your work with more confidence.
You Might Be Here Because...
Creative work takes talent. A creative business also needs planning, pricing, marketing, and confidence.
You want to turn a creative skill into income
You already sell your work but want more consistency
You struggle to price your products or services
You find marketing yourself difficult
You are unsure how to reach the right customers
You want to improve your social media, branding, or content
You feel isolated working on your own
You need structure, support, and a clearer plan
You Do Not Need Everything Figured Out
You do not need a perfect plan before getting support.
EMS helps creative people understand their market, promote their work, manage the business side, and make clearer decisions.
Training Built Around Creatives
Our training helps you build the business skills around your creative work.
You can learn how to:
Recommend Courses
Creative Liftoff
A starting point for people exploring self-employment as a creative.
This course covers:
- Self-employment
- Pricing
- Planning
- Legal responsibilities
- Building confidence
Ideal for: early-stage creative businesses, side businesses, freelancers, and people turning a hobby into income.
Creative Catapult
You’ll learn how to shape your offer, understand your audience, price your work, market yourself, and build confidence as a creative business owner.
This course covers:
- Bookkeeping basics
- Managing finances
- Record keeping
- Sole trader support
- Business confidence
Ideal for: freelancers, makers, artists, designers, creators, photographers, crafters, and creative businesses.
Creative businesses often come with uncertainty.
You are not expected to know everything on day one.
What People Often Gain From Training
Learners often leave EMS training with:
- more confidence in their business
- clearer direction
- better pricing understanding
- stronger marketing knowledge
- improved digital skills
- more confidence promoting themselves
- better planning and organisation
- stronger belief in the value of their work
For many creative people, training helps turn ideas and talent into a more organised business.
Our Results Speak For Themselves
A Simpler Way to Find the Right Training
Tell Us Your Goal
Choose what you want help with.
Explore Your Options
Find training that fits your situation.
Learn With Support
Build practical skills with guidance from EMS.
Explore Your Next Step
EMS can help you build the confidence, skills, and support needed to turn your creative work into something more stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EMS courses fully funded?
Many EMS courses are fully funded, but funding depends on factors such as where you live, your current circumstances, and the programme you’re interested in.
We work with a range of funding providers across areas including Tees Valley, York & North Yorkshire, and the wider North East. This means funding opportunities can vary throughout the year.
The good news is that you don’t need to work it all out yourself. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, simply get in touch and we’ll explain what support may be available and recommend the most suitable options.
Many learners are pleasantly surprised to discover they are eligible for funded training.
Can I study while working?
Yes. Many of our learners complete training alongside full-time employment, self-employment, family commitments, or running a business.
Our courses are designed with real life in mind. We understand that finding time for personal development can be challenging, which is why we aim to make learning practical, manageable, and worthwhile.
Whether you’re looking to gain a qualification, improve your confidence, develop new skills, or prepare for a career change, we’ll help you find a course that fits around your commitments wherever possible.
If you’re unsure whether a particular course will work with your schedule, our team will be happy to talk through the options with you.
Are courses online or in person?
Most EMS courses are delivered face-to-face because we believe people learn best when they can interact with trainers, ask questions, share experiences, and learn alongside others.
Our courses are delivered in locations across Tees Valley, York & North Yorkshire, North East, and surrounding areas, making it easier for learners to access training close to home.
Some programmes are available online or through a blended approach, but the majority of our training takes place in the classroom. Many learners tell us they value the supportive environment, networking opportunities, and practical discussions that come from learning in person.
The delivery method for each course is clearly shown on the course page, and if you’re unsure which option is right for you, our team will be happy to help.
Will I receive a qualification?
Many EMS courses include recognised qualifications or certificates, while others focus on developing practical skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately.
The qualification you receive will depend on the course you choose.
Every course page clearly explains what is included, and our team can help you understand which qualifications may be most relevant to your goals.
More importantly, our focus is not just on gaining a certificate. We want you to leave with skills, confidence, and knowledge that you can put into practice straight away.
Not sure where to start?
That’s completely normal.
Many people contact EMS before they know exactly which course, qualification, or pathway is right for them. Some are exploring a new career. Others want to start a business, develop their skills, support their team, or simply understand what options are available.
You don’t need to know which course you need, what funding might be available, or even what your next step looks like.
Tell us a little about your situation and what you’re hoping to achieve. We’ll help you understand your options and point you towards the most suitable route.
Sometimes a short conversation is all it takes to make things much clearer.