Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Creative Catalyst by Chapel Hill Denham is a strategic initiative aimed at providing funding and tailored business development support to scale high-potential creative ventures and projects in Nigeria. It is designed to accelerate growth and enhance the performance of creative enterprises.

The Fund aims to unlock growth in the creative economy by providing critical capital and strategic support that enables creative entrepreneurs to refine their offerings, strengthen operations, access markets, and scale responsibly.

Creative Catalyst is for creative entrepreneurs, collectives, and businesses operating across the creative and cultural industries within the creative economy in Nigeria, including but not limited to:

• Media, film, and content production
• Fashion and design
• Music and performing arts
• Visual arts
• Digital creative platforms and IP-driven ventures
• Cultural and creative technology solutions

Applicants should demonstrate clear potential for commercial viability and impact.

Creative Catalyst provides flexible capital tailored to the needs of creative projects. This may include grants, catalytic funding, or structured capital, depending on the project’s objectives and the Fund’s guidelines.

In addition to capital, beneficiaries receive business development support, which may include:

• Business strategy and capacity building
• Market access and distribution support
• Mentorship from industry and investment professionals
• Access to resources and networks

Creative Catalyst is purpose-built for the realities of creative businesses. It recognises the value of intellectual property, non-traditional revenue models, and cultural impact, while still emphasising sustainability, governance, and growth.

The Fund is an initiative of Chapel Hill Denham, leveraging the firm’s institutional expertise, networks, and governance standards to support creative ventures in a structured and credible manner.

While specific criteria may vary by cohort, applicants are generally expected to:

• Operate within the creative economy in Nigeria
• Demonstrate that their creative project has commercial and/or scalable potential
• Show strong execution capacity, with evidence of prior work
• Provide detailed documentation of the creative project, such as a pitch deck

Detailed eligibility requirements will be provided with each call for applications.

Yes. Applicants are required to demonstrate prior experience relevant to the project or venture they are applying with. This may include evidence of previous work, proof of concept, early traction, or relevant execution experience. Creative Catalyst supports projects that have progressed beyond ideation and can demonstrate the capacity to execute, deliver, and take the project to market.

Applications are submitted during open calls announced by Creative Catalyst by Chapel Hill Denham. Details on timelines, application requirements, and the selection process will be shared via the official Chapel Hill Denham and Creative Catalyst communication channels.

Projects are selected based on a combination of creative merit, market potential, scalability, impact, and team capability. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews or pitch sessions.

Selected ventures are expected to:

• Actively participate in business development activities
• Meet agreed milestones and reporting requirements
• Use funds responsibly and solely for approved purposes
• Engage transparently with the Creative Catalyst team

More information, including application announcements and programme updates, will be available via Chapel Hill Denham’s and Creative Catalyst’s official communication channels and social media platforms.