Film-makers among those able to apply for interest free loans.

Regional UK agency Creative England has launched a new Business Investment Fund worth £1m ($1.5m) as part of its programme of investment for creative and digital businesses.

Supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, it is available in the form of interest free loans of between £60,000 and £100,000 ($90k-$150k).

It is open to SMEs looking to develop new content in film as well as games and interactive entertainment, e-learning and mobile applications among others.

Creative England’s director of business development, Jim Farmery, said: ” Our funds support companies with innovative ideas for content development that have commercial potential but are struggling to get off the ground.

The application is a two stage process: applicants are required to complete an online expression of Interest at https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_873/?SA=SNA&FID=35065

Once eligibility has been confirmed, they will be invited to submit a full application outlining a proposal and business case.  The deadline for registrations of interest is August 21, 2013.

Email questions or requests for further info to: business@creativeengland.co.uk