Gifted graduates of a Renfrewshire creative business programme will showcase their products and share their start-up experiences at a two-day exhibition later this month.

Renfrewshire Council’s InCube Creative programme enables entrepreneurs to turn their talents into a viable commercial business.

InCube class of 2019

Now the class of 2019 – seven creatives spanning jewellery making, textile design, art, millinery, ceramics and even knitting – will host an exhibition of their works at Paisley’s Piazza Shopping Centre.

I:MERGE takes place in the Piazza POP Space on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October, from 12pm to 5pm.

“The exhibition is a celebration of the six months we’ve spent developing our creative businesses,” explains milliner Susie Rodgers.

“We will be showcasing our new work and will also be on hand to talk about our experiences in the business incubator programme, our inspirations and what it’s like to start your own business. I’ve learned so much through the InCube Creative programme which will be great for my business going forward and hopefully we can inspire other people to consider taking their talents to the next level.”

IMerge logo

InCube Creative has already helped 50 designers to commercialise their approach, providing free specialist support to build business acumen and bolster skills such as e-commerce and website development.

Cindy Robb, who co-ordinates the InCube creative programme said: “We’re very proud of all our graduates and the class of 2019 is no exception, being a fantastic example of the breadth and depth of creative talent on our doorstep. I would encourage everyone to take the time to call in, enjoy the exhibition and talk to the exhibitors to hear about their experiences.”

Earlier this year Renfrewshire Council confirmed a new business development fund providing subsidised premise costs to encourage entrepreneurs to co-locate, collaborate and share services.

This enabled Up Hub Works to open its doors on Paisley High Street in September, with a showroom, workspace and shop dedicated to upcycling.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Renfrewshire is renowned for its creative talents – with many local artists and designers now household names. We want to be the place of choice for creative companies and through business support programmes like InCube Creative and the creative hub development fund, we hope to attract more entrepreneurs to Renfrewshire.

“Our new economic strategy places a keen focus on growing the creative industry sector further and we will be working closely with local entrepreneurs to understand how we can support them to flourish.”

Find out more about InCube at www.incube.ren

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X