Liverpool Pre-Accelerator’ offers a “quick-fire” digital learning course for early-stage entrepreneurs with the closing date for applications for the eight week course closing on November 16. Tony McDonough reports

Banking giant NatWest is inviting applications from fledgling entrepreneurs in the Liverpool city region to take part in and intensive eight-week course.

NatWest says its ‘Liverpool Pre-Accelerator’ offers a “quick-fire” digital learning course for early-stage entrepreneurs. The Pre-Accelerator is designed to give entrepreneurs the power to start, scale and succeed by providing early-stage businesses.

As well as receiving intensive online training via a dedicated online portal, entrepreneurs who sign up to the programme will have the opportunity to take part in a face to face introductory ‘Ignition’ event in Liverpool on November 20.

The course will be brought to a close at a final ‘Celebrate’ event at the end of the programme, where participants can swap experiences and develop their network. These meet up events will also be streamed online.

Gordon Merrylees, head of entrepreneurship at NatWest, said: “We are determined to be the leading bank for entrepreneurs by powering UK businesses to start, scale and succeed.

“Our bespoke Pre-Accelerator digital learning programme will equip them with the tools they need to bring their business ideas to life, as well as connecting them with other like minded entrepreneurs and their local business ecosystem.”

Liverpool is the first location in the country to benefit from the NatWest Pre-Accelerator programme and joins the nine existing NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator hubs in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Newcastle.

The programme is supported by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership. Managing director Mark Basnett added: “Helping small business owners with growth potential and ambition to scale up their businesses is a strategic priority for the LEP.

“They are the future of our economy and vital to our city region’s growth. This excellent programme provides an opportunity for our local business leaders to engage with other aspiring businesses, build their networks, enhance their leadership skills and develop tailored plans to deliver enhanced business growth and productivity.”

To find out more about the programme and how to submit an application, click here. Closing date for applications is Friday, November 16.