The Cultural Industries Quarter Agency was created in 2000 to maximise the potential of the CIQ and help Sheffield's creative industries grow by working with a wide range of local partners. The CIQ Agency also leads on issues such as providing business networking opportunities and developing effective communications, aiming to keep creative organisations up to date with activities within the sector and making the broader business community and general population aware of the value and opportunities in the creative industries. The CIQ Agency is a publicly funded, not for profit organisation funded through a combination of public and commercial income.