Banking giant NatWest is urging entrepreneurs in Liverpool city region to apply to join its 2022 North West accelerator programme. Tony McDonough reports
Entrepreneurs in Liverpool city region are being invited to apply for the 2022 NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme.
With four different tailored programmes now available, NatWest wants to hear from North West entrepreneurs who have a passion for being purpose-led or climate-focused as well as fintechs and high-growth businesses.
Its Purpose-Led Accelerator is aimed at entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to be a business and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Similarly its Climate Accelerator is for businesses looking to take on the challenges faced by climate change and who are focused on sustainable success.
The High Growth Accelerator is open to ambitious high growth businesses looking to grow and scale, while its Fintech Accelerator is designed to enable the future of financial tech businesses through access to expert sector professionals.
Applications for the programmes, which all empower businesses to scale to the next level, are now open with a total of 120 places available for January’s start date. Each programme is free with each intake lasting six months. NatWest customers have the opportunity to stay on the programme longer than six months.
Each of the programmes provide four pillars of support including:
- Focused support with access to expertise from across each entrepreneur’s specialism including mentors, partners and experienced entrepreneurs.
- One-to-one coaching with NatWest’s experienced Acceleration Managers.
- A programme of thought leadership and events; access to a network of like-minded peers, supported by the bank’s ‘ecosystem managers’.
- Free use of NatWest’s modern co-working offices in Manchester city centre (subject to COVID rules) in the New Year.
Heather Waters, regional ecosystem manager at NatWest in the North West, said: “The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their business to the next level.
“The bank provides wraparound support and access to expertise, removing barriers and providing more opportunities to help businesses grow.
“We focus on the key driver of any business – the entrepreneur – and that is what makes these programmes so unique. With the right level of support and challenge, we can help entrepreneurs to take their business much further and faster.”
Sam Watson is the co-founder and fermenter of the award-winning Liverpool business, The Fermentation Station. He and partner Amy are specialists in the art of fermenting foods and drinks, making probiotic products which are healthy, delicious, diverse, and sustainable. They took part in the accelerator.
Sam said: “Being a part of the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator has helped us to scale and grow our business, and also develop as entrepreneurs.
“We have valued the mentoring, networking and general support provided through the programme and would encourage other businesses to apply as it has definitely helped us take our business to the next level.”