Episodes

  • E2: The Pre-Grant Mindset That Makes Writing Easier

    E2: The Pre-Grant Mindset That Makes Writing Easier
    May 11 2025
    Grant writing isn’t just about what you put on the page - it’s about what happens before you even start. In this solo episode of Creating The Curve, host Anna Bravington explores the often-overlooked prep work that makes grant writing less stressful and way more effective. From getting into the right mindset to building visibility, Anna shares practical tips, stories, and tools for finding grants and writing them with confidence. You’ll learn: Why your marketing habits shape how you write grants (for better or worse) How to spot what funders really want Where to find the grants that actually suit you The underrated power of being known What to do if you're a bit of an introvert (Anna’s one too!) Whether you’re brand new to grants or just want to stop dreading the process, this episode will help you prep smarter, find the right opportunities, and feel a whole lot less alone in the process. Learn more at: https://creatingthecurve.co.uk/
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • E1: Grant Writing Without the Gobbledygook with Robert Bentley

    E1: Grant Writing Without the Gobbledygook with Robert Bentley
    May 10 2025
    Grant writing can feel like learning a new language - full of jargon, hidden rules, and endless paperwork. In this episode of Creating The Curve, host Anna Bravington chats with Robert Bentley, bid-writing consultant and author, who’s helped businesses secure over £80 million in funding. They unpack the real reasons so many grant applications fail, the biggest mistakes STEM businesses make, and how to make your application appeal to the funders. This episode will explore: The common mistakes STEM businesses make in grant bids Why storytelling (not spreadsheets) wins funding How to get “grant ready” without burning out The pros and cons of using AI to write applications Why your application shouldn’t sound like your product spec sheet Expect practical advice, a healthy dose of humour, and plenty of lightbulb moments - whether you’re new to grants or just tired of writing bids that go nowhere. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by jargon, baffled by bids, or want it to feel less like a chore, this is your episode. Learn more at: https://creatingthecurve.co.uk/ To chat with Robert, find him at https://wessexpartnerships.com/ or buy his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grant-Writing-Organization-Techniques-Partnerships/dp/B0D8K5JZGK
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Welcome To Creating The Curve

    Welcome To Creating The Curve
    May 2 2025

    Welcome to Creating The Curve, the podcast made for STEM founders who are brilliant at the technical stuff - but want running the business to feel a whole lot easier.

    In this welcome episode, host Anna Bravington shares what the show is all about: supporting founders like you who’ve come from science, tech, engineering, or maths backgrounds and now find themselves having to figure out sales, marketing, leadership, operations… and everything in between.

    Anna has over 20 years of experience helping 60+ businesses grow, and she knows the real story: most founders are working long hours, not paying themselves properly, and struggling to switch off - even on holiday. This podcast is here to change that.

    You’ll get simple, practical advice on all the non-technical parts of business, so you can build something that works for you - not just your customers. It’s not about turning you into a full-time marketer or ops expert. It’s about giving you enough knowledge to grow with confidence and get to the point where you can hire and manage others without the overwhelm.
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • TRAILER: Creating The Curve

    TRAILER: Creating The Curve
    May 2 2025

    Creating The Curve is the down-to-earth podcast for STEM founders who are brilliant at what they do - but want a bit of help running the business side of things.

    Hosted by experienced business adviser Anna Bravington, the show is packed with honest chats, expert advice, and simple tools to help you build a business that works for you - not the other way around.

    With over 20 years’ experience helping 60+ businesses grow, Anna knows that most founders don’t struggle with their tech - it’s everything else. Sales. Marketing. Hiring. Grants. People stuff. That’s why each episode brings in friendly experts who get it, and can help you take the next step with confidence (and maybe even enjoy it a bit too).

    If you’re stuck in 60-hour weeks, not paying yourself properly, or just craving a holiday where you don’t check your emails, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode is designed to take a little weight off your shoulders—and help you build a business that feels good, runs smoothly, and fits the life you actually want.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins