Comedy business lands serious returns from laughter

A 10-week online marketing course from The Open University (OU) has transformed the fortunes of Edinburgh-based comedy entrepreneur Katie Palmer, leading to funding and her first employee hire.

Katie Palmer, founder of Brass Tacks Comedy, signed up for the OU's Business management: marketing principles and practice microcredential course after spotting it in Martin Lewis's Money Saving Expert newsletter.

What began as a low-commitment way for Katie to boost her marketing skills has since unlocked entrepreneurial support and funding, helping her to attract major clients and secure long-term income.

Brass Tacks Comedy is built on a mission to support underrepresented voices in an industry traditionally centred around London. Katie works with comedians from diverse backgrounds, including those from economically disadvantaged communities and performers with a range of gender identities and sexual orientations.

Despite the famous Scottish sense of humour, Katie noticed that comedy was suffering from a lack of support in Scotland, with many talented acts overlooked or priced out by a London-centric industry.

Katie, aged 34, was awarded funding and entrepreneurial support through the OU in Scotland. She used the investment to build a professional website, develop marketing resources and create systems that have since attracted bigger clients and multi-date tours.

Katie Palmer, founder of Brass Tacks Comedy, says: 
“I didn't know any of this support existed. I signed up for a 10-week course because I thought it would be useful. It ended up opening so many doors to me and my business.

“Working with The Open University in Scotland’s Open Enterprise Network has been transformative. The ongoing support has made a huge difference to the business. The team is brilliant at spotting and sending on opportunities to access funding that I would never have known existed otherwise.

“It's given me the confidence to think bigger and actually go for things. Having someone genuinely invested in your success, who takes the time to understand what you're building and makes you feel like your business is worth backing is game changing. That validation has been just as valuable as the funding itself.

“Since receiving the funding, I've attracted more clients and bigger comedians who want to tour with me. The biggest tour I'll have worked on is now booked for 2027, which means long-term income and the confidence to hire my first employee. I’ve also had the confidence to apply for follow on funding from other bodies.”

Katie was supported by the OU in Scotland through its enterprise and start-up support schemes, including its microfinance competition which provides equity-free funding to help students take early-stage business ideas forward.

Supporting entrepreneurs who are building businesses alongside work, caring responsibilities and life commitments, the OU’s online learning model enables students of all ages and backgrounds to study and apply learning in real time.

Working with the OU in Scotland’s Open Enterprise Network has been transformative. The ongoing support has made a huge difference to the business.”
Katie Palmer

Open University in Scotland students and recent graduates can access a wide programme of events, resources and competitions designed to help turn ideas into viable businesses. This includes hands-on enterprise bootcamps, funding competitions and a rich library of free online learning covering entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, marketing and digital skills.

Supported by expert guidance and an active peer community, the Open Enterprise Network gives entrepreneurs the tools, confidence and connections to build and grow businesses wherever they are based in Scotland.

Jane Grant, Depute Director of External Engagement and Partnerships at the OU in Scotland, says:

“As Scotland’s national university for widening access and lifelong learning, we are proud to support entrepreneurial students across Scotland, including those in rural, coastal and community-based settings, who may face barriers to accessing traditional campus-based education.

“Our model is designed to meet individuals where they are, allowing them to develop skills and ideas alongside their work and life commitments, and turn ambition into action, no matter where they are based.

“We are nurturing a range of businesses that prioritise inclusivity, community impact and the values of diversity, just like Katie’s. By supporting students with inclusive aims, we’re not just helping them build businesses, but enabling them to create ventures that reflect the communities they serve.”

19 March 2026