Business owners with ambitions to expand have until Friday 10 December to apply to join the next cohort of the NatWest Accelerator programme. The aim of the scheme is to support and challenge entrepreneurs to build strong teams, venture into new markets or seek further investment.

The free six-month programme has four distinct pathways – FinTech, Climate Focussed, High Growth and Purpose Led. Any fintech or climate focussed business is eligible for the FinTech or Climate Focussed pathway. Business owners wanting to join the High Growth pathway must have a monthly turnover of at least £8K, or £50K of investment. The Purpose Led pathway is for businesses that look beyond profit and are focused on making a positive difference in the community, undertaking social responsibility or building sustainable relationships. All pathways include free access to NatWest’s Business Builder online support portal. 

NatWest are hosting a number of webinars to answer questions about the programme and the applications process, and to introduce the Midlands team:

• Friday 5 November
• Thursday 11 November
• Friday 26 November
• Monday 6 December

Applicants for the Entrepreneur Accelerator do not have to bank with NatWest to be eligible for the programme, but places are limited and the application process is competitive. Interviews will take place in November and December, with the programme starting in January 2022. For more information, or to apply, visit the website.

For information about how Think Sandwell can support your ambitions to expand your company’s capacity, team, market or premises, visit our Growing Your Business page.