News / Entrepreneurs
Search is on for Bristol’s brightest entrepreneurs
Ambitious entrepreneurs across the West Country can now apply to be part of the acclaimed NatWest accelerator programme.
From fintech to food, social enterprise to apps, the banking giant has supported more than 500 businesses in the scheme since launching in Bristol in 2015 – and in that time those companies have created hundreds of jobs and raised tens of millions of pounds in investment and funding.
Open to entrepreneurs of any age and at any stage, including those with high turnovers, the programme helps companies start, scale and grow their business with tailored coaching, support, access to multiple networks and office space at its Trinity Quay HQ, all fully-funded by NatWest.
Previous success stories include underwater surveyors Rovco, a global leader in 3D digital underwater inspections, and Street2Boardroom, a social enterprise that helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds maximise their potential and put their skills to use in employment.
Entrepreneur Clayton Planter founded Street2Boardroom and went through the accelerator programme.
“We’re really excited to announce the opening of the application process for our October intake,” said Andrew Jackson, entrepreneur acceleration manager in Bristol.
“The accelerator has helped hundreds of businesses achieve national and international success and we’re really keen on helping more businesses looking to reach significant turnovers achieve their goals.
“Crucially, the businesses we support succeed, with over 80 per cent still operating after two years. The programme itself is fully funded and you don’t need to bank with NatWest to be able to apply. Our only goal is to help entrepreneurs wherever they are in the South West to succeed.”
Depending on what type or stage a business is at, successful applicants will be offered a place on one of three programmes – the intensive, eight-week pre-accelerator for early stage startups, the fintech programme for technology-based businesses, and the six month accelerator programme for high growth businesses looking to scale up.
Entrepreneurs can progress through this programme up to a maximum of three times – 18 months in total.
The closing date for applicants is August 15.
For more information or to apply visit www.business.natwest.com/business/services/accelerator.html.
Read more: ‘It’s not where you’re from that counts, it’s where you’re going’
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