We’re always looking for new opportunities to meet other people in business. In the past, networking has been a key factor in winning new business and meeting people who can help us. So when we heard about the new networking and collaborative program aimed solely at businesses in the creative sectors, we jumped at the chance to join them.

Creative D is organised by the Dublin City Enterprise Boards and aims to bring businesses in sectors like Advertising, Architecture, Crafts , Cultural Tourism – Festivals and Events, Culinary Arts, Tours , Design , Designer Fashion , Digital Media, Film, Video and Photography, Publishing , Software Applications, Computer Games and Electronic Publishing, Television and Radio, The Arts – Music, Visual, Literary and Performing Arts together in a way to offer help, collaboration, advice, training and networking.

So far there have been two events. The first was held in The Digital Exchange and included a keynote speech from Chris Horn – a strong voice for innovation in Ireland who’s currently working alongside The Government on their Innovation Taskforce. Damini Kumar – the European Ambassador for Creativity and Innovation spoke passionately about the need for innovation in Ireland as a means to rescue the country from it’s economic woes.

The second event was held last week at the new Wood Quay Venue in Dublin City Council offices. Entitled Meet Your Future Financier, it included senior reps from Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank, BES, Enterprise Ireland, and the local enterprise boards. Keynote on the day was given by Paddy Dunning, who’s entrepreneurial ventures include The Temple Bar Music Centre, Grouse Lodge Studios, and more recently The Wax Museum Plus.

I’ve got some notes on this event that I’ll try and share later in the week. But overall it was an inspiring and hugely optimistic event, with all of the lenders on the panel stressing that there is money there, and that funding is available.

Here’s a couple of videos produced by Regenerate Media, filmed at the event in The Digital Exchange.