Turn your vision into an empire

For too long, South Africa’s brightest creative minds have been forced to choose between artistic integrity and commercial survival. Now, the Leaders in Motion Academy (LiMA) in association with Henley Business School Africa and the Department of Sports Art and Culture are changing the equation with the launch of the Future Creative Leaders Programme this August.

This intensive, fully funded incubator is designed to transform creative talent into investor-ready, scalable enterprises. Conceived as part of the Creative Universe platform – an initiative dedicated to building a sustainable, investable creative economy – the programme bridges the gap between raw artistic energy and sustainable wealth creation. It is specifically tailored for founders and creative entrepreneurs building businesses operating across gaming, animation, film, digital content, interactive media, and immersive technologies (VR/XR/software).

“The creative sector isn't just cultural; it is a potential high-growth economic power engine," says the Thatho Molamu, founder and CEO of LiMA. “We are not here to teach creatives how to create, they are already masters of their craft. We are here to equip them with the commercial muscle, financial frameworks, and IP control needed to own their work and scale globally.

“The irony is stark: we are a continent rich in creativity, storytelling, innovation and cultural capital. But we are not yet rich in the infrastructure, investment and coordinated systems needed to translate those assets into global-scale businesses.”

“This programme addresses a key barrier to growth of the creative sector: the high barrier to entry into creative education,” comments Barry Van Zyl from Henley Business School Africa. “A year of film studies at a public university can cost over R140,000 – an impossible figure for most, especially for young people in rural or township communities who are brimming with talent but face staggering socioeconomic constraints. We’ve gathered the sponsors to ensure that this is a 100% sponsored opportunity for the creatives that need it most.”

What the programme delivers

Through a high-impact, four-block structure running in August and September, delegates participate in practical action learning, moving directly from theory to business application. The programme has been designed by the award-winning team at Henley Business School Africa. Rather than abstract assignments, founders will leave the programme with four concrete, growth-focused deliverables:

• An implementable business plan: Grounded in financial, legal, and operational reality.
• A financial and market-access roadmap: Designed for revenue generation and export expansion.
• An investor-ready pitch deck: Refined for real-world capital raising.
• A growth-focused action learning project: Solving an immediate strategic challenge within their own enterprise.

Who can apply?

The programme is seeking high-potential, vision-driven creative entrepreneurs with a good track record and clear growth ambitions.

• Location: Recruitment primarily focuses on Gauteng, with exceptional applicants considered from North West and Mpumalanga (delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation).
• Enterprise profile: Open to actively trading businesses (minimum three years in operation) OR newly founded entities led by founders with at least five years of senior executive experience.
• Selection focus: Preference will be given to enterprises with proprietary IP, revenue traction, existing clients, and high job-creation potential. Female-owned and youth-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Space is limited for this fully funded scholarship opportunity. Applicants must complete an online application and submit a 1-minute motivation video detailing their business vision, problem solved, and growth ambition, alongside a showreel/portfolio and a brief business overview.

Applications are officially open. Transform your creative vision into an investable reality today.

• Apply now: [Link to application portal]
• Application deadline: 2 August 20206
• Programme dates: 17 August – 18 September (4 blocks)