The PULSE podcast: How EU creative entrepreneurs can grow
Experts and entrepreneurs from various fields (finance, digital, EU programmes, etc.) and creative industries (fashion, design, audiovisual, etc.) discuss access to finance, digital transition, internationalisation, intellectual property, equality, and more.
Hosted by Katrina Sihel, the podcast provides insights into EU solutions like the Enterprise Europe Network, the SME fund, and the InvestEU programme, offering tips to scale your business and boost creativity within the single market and beyond.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission.
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Episode 1 - How creative SMEs and entrepreneurs can grow and internationalise their business
“Doing trade, doing business, it is a human capacity.” - Maeva Tordo
Entrepreneurship in the creative industries can be challenging due to system complexity and jargon. This episode features experts discussing essential skills, opportunities like cross-sectoral collaborations and incubators, and EU solutions, such as the Europe Enterprise Network.
Guests
- Siofra Caherty, Founder of Jump the Hedges
- Ceu Filipe, Chair of the cultural and creative industries group of the Enterprise Europe Network
- Maeva Tordo, Cofounder of the Blue Factory ESCP Business School
Useful resources
Episode 2 - Creative entrepreneurs and financing instruments: How can the InvestEU Programme help?
“The support of the InvestEU Guarantee is not limited to the financial intermediary (…) but benefits the entire cultural and creative ecosystem” - Virginie Civrais
Access to credit is challenging for creative businesses but the InvestEU programme offers solutions. This episode explains how the programme works, its benefits, and how creative SMEs can access it.
Guests
- Astrid Bartels, Head of Unit at the European Commission - DG GROW
- Virginie civrais, CEO of ST’ART
- Hind Rabii, Founder of Hind Rabii Lighting Studio
Useful resources
Episode 3 - Making creative SMEs more sustainable: The fashion sector
“There is improvement in cooperation between companies, small and big. And we should push that a lot (…) cooperation has to be European.” - Annick Jehanne
The fashion industry is highly polluting, but many initiatives aim to make it more sustainable. In this episode, experts discuss the needs of creative SMEs in terms of sustainability and share solutions for EU entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Guests
- Aliki Goritsa, Co-founder of Pepper Vally
- Annick Jehanne, President and Founder of Fashion Green Hub
- Alberto Valenzano, Team Leader, DG GROW – European Commission
Useful resources
Episode 4 - Being a women entrepreneur in the creative industries
“10 years are needed for women to be taken equally as men” - Sanja Pantic
Women entrepreneurs in creative industries face significant obstacles, notably in terms of access to finance and due to stereotypes. This episode addresses these challenges and highlights the importance of intergenerational support, improving knowledge, role models, and concrete EU solutions.
Guests
- Roni Gamzon, Co-founder of BioFluff
- Claire Munck, CEO of Be Angels
- Sanja Pantic, Chair of the women entrepreneurship group of the Enterprise Europe Network
Useful resources