GCID Venture Studio ‘Realise’ Pilot Programme for SME Branding Support

The Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio, in partnership with Imaginary Friends, has launched the ‘Realise’ pilot programme as part of our Impact Pillar.

This initiative will deliver a week-long intensive support package from a leading Glasgow based design consultant to one tech-based SME based in the Glasgow City area. The support will focus on working with the participant to develop their visual identity and branding.

Why apply?

This opportunity will help your business realise its potential through visual identity, often an area of business development that many find challenging for a variety of reasons. On completion of the ‘branding sprint’ week the participant will receive:  

  • A new logo supplied in all the requisite file types.
  • Mini brand guidelines which will cover logo usage, colour palette, typefaces.
  • A new tagline based on the company’s current brand offering, vision and values.
  • Visual identity guidance.
  • An agreed selection of assets e.g. social media avatars and header images, social media templates etc.

Due to the limited time available, there may be constraints on what will be delivered; however, what will be achieved will provide significant improvements for you and your business.

Apply today

Who are we looking for?

For this pilot, we are looking for a participant company who is willing to be fully engaged in the programme and available to work with the Imaginary Friends team from 2nd to 6th March 2026 inclusive.  We are looking for:

  • Decision makers: founders, CEOs, CMOs, etc.
  • Businesses that are excited by the idea of change, particularly those who have been frustrated by being unable to do something about elevating their visual identity.
  • A business with a strong sense of who they are, what they do, and who they do it for.
  • An individual who is prepared to take a deep breath, put aside any preconceived ideas and will trust the design team to create something amazing.
Find out more about eligibility

Timeline for applications

  • Applications open: 2nd February
  • Application deadline: 16th February
  • Shortlisting outcome notification: mid-February 2026
  • Shortlisting interviews: mid- February 2026
  • Programme delivery: 2nd to 6th March 2026

Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio Funding 

This project is funded by Glasgow City Council and UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). 

Funded by UK Government
Glasgow City Council logo