Entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses are being urged to apply to join one of the UK’s leading accelerators, as NatWest prepares to welcome a record number of new businesses on its accelerator programme in September. Up to 2500 places will be available for free to entrepreneurs.

NatWest Group is the biggest bank for start-ups in Great Britain, banking around one in five businesses under 2 years old. The bank’s Accelerator programme which was recently ranked as the third best start-up hub in Europe for networking, has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Former accelerator ‘alumni’ includes GoJoe, a social fitness app which enables workplaces and brands to connect and engage their people. Used by global companies such as Amazon, British Gas and Diageo, GoJoe motivates employees through innovative team-based virtual challenges. The company raised over £1 million in seed investment in 2022 and has just completed their latest round.

Phil Steele, Co-Founder of GoJoe, said, “When we started with the NatWest Accelerator we were little more than two guys and a PowerPoint.

Thanks to the coaching, mentoring and support that we’ve received through the accelerator we have now completed two funding rounds which included professional athlete investment, created a product which is loved by the world’s best companies and assembled a team who will help us achieve our ambition of changing the way the world exercises.

Quite simply, the programme really has ‘powered us up’, been our sherpa and catalyst for growth.  A no brainer for ambitious start-ups.”

Businesses with high growth potential benefit from a range of support through the NatWest Accelerator hubs. This includes expert coaching, access to a wide network of like-minded peers, and a programme of thought leadership and events. The programme is free for participating businesses and entrepreneurs do not need to give up any equity in their business to take part.

NatWest operates 13 physical and one digital accelerator hub spread across the UK, in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Southampton and Warwick. With applications now open for the next accelerator cohort entrepreneurs are being encouraged not to miss out with the deadline for applications closing on 2nd August.

Darren Pirie, Head of the NatWest Accelerator, said: “In today’s ever-changing business landscape, growth is a necessity. The UK is home to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups, but it can be better at supporting ambitious business to grow, which is where our expertise comes in.

As the UK’s biggest bank for start-ups, we understand that helping businesses succeed, not just through traditional lending but with full wraparound support, is crucial if we want a strong economy. And that’s exactly what we do – in our accelerator hubs, we’ve seen a whole host of businesses secure investment, grow their teams and move into other markets.”

He added: “We’re offering a record number of places on our accelerator programme in September to help more ambitious businesses on their path to growth. Every member of the programme is given the best start possible with access to expert mentors, networking opportunities and modern office space.

We really do see the programme live up to its name. It can really accelerate your business.”

Entrepreneurs can apply for the programme at https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html. The deadline for applications is 2nd August.