YOUNG digital and technology focussed firms in Bradford are being encouraged to sign up for a free business support programme to help them accelerate their growth.

Northern Max Accelerator, launching in early 2021, will be delivered online and is for businesses that are pre-start or less than three years old with growth ambitions.

The programme will offer a range of practical support and provides opportunities to access grants, specialist workshops, and expert mentoring over ten weeks, as well as the chance to pitch for potential investment at the end of the programme. Delegates will also benefit from the support and expertise of Rav Panesar, digital enterprise advisor at Bradford Council.

Since the end of 2016 it has helped more than 3,500 businesses and individuals in the Leeds City Region, and approved more than 160 grants.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This programme has already proved itself with some tangible success stories, so we are delighted it is being offered to businesses again.

“Times are really hard for small businesses right now and we are determined to give them the support they need to survive and grow. A buoyant economy is so important to the city and to the region, and never more so than in these times of Covid.”

Twenty one companies took part in the Northern Max programme when it was run earlier this year. Seven of the businesses were supported to bring a product to market; four were successful in applying for AD:VENTURE grant funding of more than £14,000, and one was supported to apply for a £50,000 Bounceback loan. In total, the cohort created 13 new jobs.

Many of the companies also forged formal and informal collaborations, such as sharing best practice, sharing contacts and making plans to bid collaboratively for tenders.

Among those who have benefited from the Northern Max programme is Rachel Mather, who launched her bid consultancy firm &Mather early in 2020.

Rachel said: “This is such a brilliant programme for any digital tech business owner seeking to become stronger, scale up and continue to grow. It's immersive, experiential, thought provoking, and delivered by an incredible range of leaders, mentors and peers.”

Masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring will be available using a host of business experts, including Sharon Jandu of The Northern Asian power list and Jag Panesar of Xpand Marketing. In addition there will be weekly workshops on key topics including developing your business model; business goal setting; partnerships and collaborations; business finance, and funding and growth strategies.

Northern Max Accelerator will be delivered virtually 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).

Get involved

To register your interest or for more details on the Northern Max Accelerator, visit https://ad-venture.org.uk/northernmaxaccelerator/