If you’re a creative freelancer, maker, artist, performer or early-stage founder on the Isle of Wight, and 2026 is the year you want to take your work more seriously as a business – this is an opportunity not to miss!
Rebel Business School is returning to the Island with a free, in-person evening programme designed to help creative people test ideas, build confidence, find customers and start generating income, without jargon, pressure or upfront costs.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Creative Island and IW Council, and will take place at Building 41, Cowes.
Formerly known as Pop Up Business School, Rebel has supported over 45,000 people worldwide since 2012 to start and grow businesses – many of them creatives, freelancers and people who never thought of themselves as “business owners”.
Rebel’s approach is practical, encouraging and action-led:
- No business plans
- No start-up costs
- No intimidating theory
- Just real-world testing, learning and momentum
They’ve previously supported 162 Islanders in 2019–2020, helping start 70+ new Island businesses, and are now back with an updated programme tailored to today’s creative economy.
This programme is ideal if you are:
- A creative freelancer wanting more consistent income
- A maker or artist unsure how to price or sell your work
- A performer or creative practitioner developing a side business
- A young entrepreneur (18+) with an idea you want to test
- Feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to start
You don’t need a registered business. You don’t need funding. You just need an idea – or even the seed of one!
Programme details:
📍 Location: Building 41, Cowes
🕡 Time: 6.30–9pm
📅 Dates: Every Wednesday starting 21 January, with a break on 18 February 2026.
💰 Cost: FREE (fully funded)
BOOK HERE!
Each week includes:
- 90-minute facilitated sessions
- 30 minutes of optional 1:1 support
- Weekly actions to keep momentum going
- A peer WhatsApp group for support and accountability
- A final celebration and graduation event
What you’ll learn (week by week):
- Week 1 – Building a Business for Free: Test ideas quickly, choose what to sell and who to sell it to.
- Week 2 – Tax, Legal & Set-Up (Made Simple): Understand the essentials without fear or jargon.
- Week 3 – Sales, Pitching & Pricing: Build confidence talking about your work and charging for it.
- Week 4 – Marketing in a Night: Create real marketing materials.
- Week 5 – Finding Customers & Social Media: Learn how to reach the right people and create content that connects.
By the end, you’ll have tested a real idea, created marketing assets, practised pitching, and gained clarity about your next steps.
Why this matters for Island creatives
Creative Island leads the IW Creative Network, supporting 230+ creative businesses and practitioners across the Island. Again and again, creatives tell us they want help turning their work into sustainable income – without losing their values or creativity.
This programme directly responds to that need:
- Evening delivery (fits around work, caring and practice)
- Practical, creative-friendly teaching
- No financial barriers
- A supportive, peer-led environment
As this programme begins in January 2026, it’s a powerful opportunity to make a step change in how you approach your creative work in the new year.
So if you’ve been thinking “I need to take this more seriously” or “I want to earn more from my creativity” or “I’m ready to try something new” …this is your moment!
To find out more & register interest, please click the following link: https://therebelschool.com/iow/
Spaces are limited to 40 Isle of Wight residents and demand is expected to be high. We recommend registering early to avoid missing out.