As Africa's economic narrative shifts towards innovation and ideas, Nigeria's creative industry stands out as a powerhouse of potential. However, a persistent lack of structured capital and business mentorship has held back its full economic contribution. In a direct response to this challenge, the investment firm Chapel Hill Denham has launched a significant initiative designed to transform the landscape.
Unveiling the Creative Catalyst Initiative
This strategic programme, named Creative Catalyst by Chapel Hill Denham, was established to provide much more than just finance. Its core mission is to fund, guide, and scale businesses operating across the creative spectrum. The firm identified that from Nollywood to fashion, music to digital media, the continent is rich in talent but starved of the structured support needed to turn ambition into sustainable enterprise.
Since its introduction, the initiative has actively engaged with the industry, supporting notable productions to demonstrate its commitment. A prime example is its backing of the 2025 Nigerian movie ‘Gingerrr’, featuring stars like Bisola Aiyeola, Kiekie, Wunmi Toriola, and Bolaji Ogunmola. With a pipeline of further projects, Chapel Hill Denham positions the platform as a dedicated engine for growth within Nigeria's creative space.
Overwhelming Response and Revealing Data
The scale of the unmet need became strikingly clear during the programme's first call for applications. It attracted an impressive 543 entries from ventures spread across the nation. Applicants came from expected fields like film, digital media, animation, and sports, but also from emerging areas such as literature, crafts, and hospitality.
Organisers revealed a critical insight from the data: this was not solely an appeal from raw startups. Out of the total, 407 applicants had prior business experience. Some enterprises had been operating for more than 17 years and employed up to 50 people. These figures underscore a vital point: the creative economy is already generating significant economic value and employment. The central challenge, therefore, is not existence but scale and access to growth capital.
A Holistic Approach: Beyond Just Capital
Understanding that money alone is insufficient, Creative Catalyst is built on a foundation of capacity building and network access. From the pool of applicants, 23 were chosen for a tailored accelerator programme led by industry experts. This group was further refined, with 12 finalists pitching to investors. Ultimately, six ventures were selected for deep, ongoing engagement and support.
This model reflects a core philosophy: creative entrepreneurs require business acumen and investor readiness just as much as they need funding. The programme also placed a focus on inclusion. Women constituted 36 per cent of applicants, a figure the organisers acknowledged shows progress but also highlights a gap, aligning with Chapel Hill Denham's broader commitment to inclusive growth across sectors.
Positioning Creativity as Economic Transformation
The organisers stress that the initiative's importance stretches far beyond entertainment. They frame it as a crucial part of Nigeria's broader economic transformation. With the right support, creative businesses can generate vast numbers of livelihoods, fortify ancillary industries, and create enduring value for the economy.
Buoyed by the outcomes of its first edition, Chapel Hill Denham has confirmed that Creative Catalyst 2 is forthcoming. For entrepreneurs, it represents a vital chance to access funding, mentorship, and visibility. For Nigeria, it is another strategic step toward unlocking the immense, yet under-tapped, potential of one of its most dynamic and promising sectors.
