Northern Max 2026 is a high-impact accelerator designed to fast-track growth for early-stage businesses. Running from 21 January to 18 March 2026, the programme features weekly Wednesday morning workshops at the Radisson in Leeds, covering strategy, branding, finance, customer acquisition, product development and leadership.

Participants receive targeted support and specialist mentoring, tailored to specific business needs, alongside access to a collaborative founder community. The programme culminates in a live pitch final on 18 March, offering valuable exposure to investors, partners and ecosystem stakeholders.

Now in its 10th cohort, Northern Max has supported hundreds of businesses, launched new products and services, enabled international expansion, and contributed significantly to the regional economy. Businesses leave the programme stronger, more confident and ready to scale.

Northern Max 2026 is open to early-stage businesses that are:

• Trading between 0–3 years

• Based in any West Yorkshire district (Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees or Wakefield)

• Ambitious, growth-focused and committed to attending weekly workshops

• Ready to develop their strategy, strengthen their business model and engage with peers and experts

The programme is fully funded through AD:VENTURE, supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).