NatWest launches pre-accelerator programme for Dorset Entrepreneurs
Aimed at entrepreneurs and early stage businesses, applicants are being invited to register for this fully-funded programme, in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, BCP Council, Dorset Council and Dorset Gateway – the county’s central repository for business support.
The Pre-Accelerator programme, run by NatWest, has been designed to give up to 100 early-stage entrepreneurs the power to start, scale and succeed in a competitive and fast moving business environment.
Part of NatWest’s successful Entrepreneur Accelerator programme, this is a quick-fire, intensive eight-week online learning course blended with a series of business engagement and networking events.
The programme will launch on 11th June with an exciting Ignition event hosted by Bournemouth and Poole College.
Once applicants have registered, they will have access all of the digital modules in the programme that will help them identify customers, gather customer insights, construct a value proposition statement and learn important skills to help them launch their business. Everything is fully-funded for those participating in the programme and participants do not need to bank with NatWest to take part. All that is asked in return is that they make the most of this opportunity to grow their business.
Dorset entrepreneur Samantha Acton will also host a workshop at the college as part of the programme where she will share her insights into launching and running a successful business.
All events will take place at: Room 115 Bournemouth & Poole College, North Road, Poole, BH14 0LS:
Ignition launch event: 11th June | 10.00am – 14.00pm
Customer Discovery: 2nd July | 12.00pm – 14.30pm (Sam Acton – Domestic Angels)
Celebration event: 1st August | 16.00pm – 18.00pm
Last year more than 6,000 businesses throughout the UK took part in one of NatWest’s Entrepreneur Accelerator programmes, 47% of whom were women. In total these businesses have attracted more than £31m in investment and funding.
Mairead Taylor, NatWest’s Director of Corporate and Commercial Banking in Dorset, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our hugely successful Pre-Accelerator Programme in Dorset. The level of success the programme has delivered in other parts of the UK has been unprecedented which is why it can have such a huge impact upon early-stage businesses in Dorset.”
Lorna Carver, Director Dorset LEP said: “Dorset is home to a great number of innovative and talented entrepreneurs and businesses and we are keen to ensure that they are supported in their ambitions to grow and thrive. That is why Dorset LEP is delighted to be supporting the Nat West Pre-Accelerator programme via its Dorset Gateway support service along with a range of partners from across the business support landscape in the county.”
Click here to apply.
For more information including a Pre-Accelerator Dorset FAQ’s document, please contact the Dorset Gateway: 01202 714 800, email: gateway@dcci.co.uk or visit the Dorset Chamber website