Story Big Creative Education (BCE): helping young people into the creative industries
Big Creative Education offers a range of courses for young people aged 16-24, many of whom have struggled to engage with mainstream education.
Social Problem
Young people who struggle with mainstream education can feel that a fulfilling career is out of their reach.
Solution
Big Creative Education (BCE) offers a diverse range of courses for young people aged 16-24, in subjects such as music, media, games design and fashion. The aim is to help young people to re-engage with education and gain the skills and qualifications they need to find a job in the creative industries.
Loan
BCE wanted to create a co-working space near its campus. As well as giving local creative businesses a dynamic, affordable place to work, this space would enable students to benefit from apprenticeships, work experience opportunities and mentorships. The Greater London Authority agreed to fund 50% of the cost, but only if BCE could raise the other 50% through social investment. Charity Bank stepped in with a loan of £1.38 million and BCE was also able to arrange a loan from another social finance provider. As a result, BCE was able to buy the property and launch Creative Works.
Impact
BCE is helping young people to get started in a career that may otherwise have seemed out of reach. Its holistic approach means young people can gain qualifications, access work experience opportunities and even get help to set-up their own business though a start-up incubator programme. 83% of BCE apprentices now progress to working in the creative industries.
“Through Charity Bank we’ve not only received a loan but have been introduced to a whole network of organisations that offer additional support. As an enterprise with a social mission, it’s obviously preferable for us to work with a lender like Charity Bank who shares our values. Charity Bank are really transparent about the loans they make with their savers’ money and it’s really great to see we’re just one of many positive projects they are supporting.”
Alexis Michaelides, Managing Director, Big Creative Education
About Charity Bank
Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank owned by and committed to supporting the social sector. Since 2002, we have used our savers’ money to make more than 1280 loans totalling over £500m to housing, education, social care, community and other social purpose organisations.
Nothing in this article constitutes an invitation to engage in investment activity nor is it advice or a recommendation and professional advice should be taken before any course of action is pursued.
Q&A 
