CREACT4MED is a project funded by the European Union (EU) through the EuropeAid Programme, that aims to strengthen businesses and entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in the Southern Neighbourhood of the EU, with a particular focus on young people and women. A central third pillar to achieve these goals, was to provide direct financial support start-ups; Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), or civil society organisations working in the Southern Mediterranean in the cultural and creative industries. The grants were used to implement so the selected businesses could launch a product or service, internationalise their business, or simply enhance their activities to grow and create employment for their local area. This support helped our 23 entrepreneurs to launch their businesses, harness innovation, and contribute to a thriving CCI MENA region.
The CREACT4MED Entrepreneurs are the cornerstone of the project, demonstrating the potential of the CCI in the Southern Mediterranean through their work, their passion and their achievements. The entrepreneurs work across the cultural and creative industries in sectors ranging from virtual reality and handicrafts to gastronomy and online platforms. We interviewed our entrepreneurs, discovering their stories, the real impact they were able to make with support from CREACT4MED, and their plans for the future.