Darwen Creates is a unique business incubation centre designed to help young people start a business. From developing an idea to launching a business, we can help at every step of the way.

Based at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy in the heart of Darwen’s retail centre, we provide flexible, modern workspace for young entrepreneurs and members of the community. 

Darwen Creates was the vision of sponsor, Rod Aldridge, Chairman of The Aldridge Foundation and one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, in order to provide young people and other local residents the opportunity to start their own businesses. The space ties in with the Academy’s lead specialism of entrepreneurship.

With a focus on 16-25 year olds, Darwen Creates aims to bridge the gap between education and business by providing the infrastructure, people and services to support young entrepreneurs whilst in education and beyond. We help to nurture and establish more businesses in the local area to provide economic growth, increased employment, and social improvements.

In reducing some of the perceived entrepreneurial barriers facing this group by providing appropriate business support and a welcoming space for young people to develop their ideas, we help people to unlock their enterprise potential and contribute to the regeneration of the community.