Ambitious technology orientated businesses in Bradford are being encouraged to sign up for a free support programme to help them grow.
Northern Max Accelerator, launching in early February, will be delivered through a mixture of face to face and online sessions, and is for businesses that are pre-start or less than three years old with growth ambitions.
It’s the fifth time the programme has run in the city, with dozens of jobs created at firms that have attended before and thousands of pounds given out in grants and loans.
The Northern Max Accelerator runs for ten weeks and includes a range of practical support, such as specialist workshops and expert mentoring. It also provides opportunities to access funding and the chance to pitch for potential investment at the end.
The weekly online workshops cover topics including developing your business model; route to market and marketing; partnerships and collaborations; business finance and the business plan.
Among those who have benefited from the Northern Max Accelerator is Dr George O’Neill, founder of early-stage business LTPCGO - Lateral Thinking, Protecting Computing, Guarding Operations.
He said: “The programme was professional, interesting, and supportive. Starting a new business is challenging, stressful, and lonely. The Northern Max programme gives the support, tools, and contacts needed to give you the best possibilities to be successful and make the hard work worthwhile.
“Afterwards I felt like I was finally ready to meet every challenge that I would face as a new business, and that was the most enjoyable aspect – the reassurance it gave that the decisions I made were the right ones.”
Northern Max Accelerator will be delivered by Greenborough Business Management’s 10x10 accelerator programme in partnership with Bradford Council and AD:VENTURE, a business support programme for new businesses in North and West Yorkshire, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Although based in Bradford, it is open to eligible businesses across the Leeds City Region.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “It’s been great seeing how many businesses have benefited from our Northern Max programme over the years and we want to help many more. These are tough times for business, but we know giving support early on can help businesses survive and thrive.
“And it is so important that we support the business community, to help our economy, both across Bradford district and the region.”
Masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring are also available from a host of business experts. One of those supporting this year’s cohort is Zack Wragg, global head of optimisation and delivery at Merlin Entertainments.
He said: “I have seen great businesses fail because of poor business fundamentals. Programmes like Northern Max allow me to help these start-ups to achieve their full potential.
“Having been a small business owner, I would have given my right arm for an accelerator programme like Northern Max. It allows business people to quickly learn how to run a business so they can get back to serving their customers.”
To register your interest or for more details on the Northern Max Accelerator, visit https://www.ad-venture.org.uk/northernmaxaccelerator/
For more information about AD:VENTURE go to https://www.ad-venture.org.uk/
