Bradford and Leeds Businesses Prepare For Lift Off With Accelerator Programme

 

Growth minded digital and tech businesses from Bradford and Leeds are invited to register their interest for the 2024 Northern Max Accelerator cohort. Now in its seventh year, Northern Max will return, giving fledgling businesses a greater chance of success.

Backed by UK Shared Prosperity Funding and supported by AD:VENTURE, the Northern Max Accelerator programme, in collaboration with Bradford Council and Leeds City Council, will guide a select cohort of 20 ventures through an intensive 10-week bootcamp aimed at catalysing exponential growth.

While Bradford businesses have seen a similar programme in previous years, this is the first project of its kind under UKSPF funding that will bring the two council authorities together to forge even stronger relationships and greater prospects for the region.

The 2024 Northern Max Accelerator now invites entries from both Bradford and Leeds to register their interest, with a programme start date planned for April 2024.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council emphasised the collaborative outcomes witnessed through the accelerator programme. “Over the years, we’ve seen a number of collaborations form between businesses as a result of Northern Max. By extending the program across both cities, we anticipate an upsurge in connections and enhanced opportunities.”

“Northern Max has always thrived by the group fostering relationships, offering peer support and networking opportunities. Meaning the potential for growth goes far beyond what the cohort learns in the 10-week programme” continues Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe.

Greenborough Management are pleased to have been awarded the delivery contract with their hugely successful 10×10 programme. Russell Copley, Founder of Greenborough Management says “We are thrilled to be awarded this contract once again following previous years success. Our track record in Bradford speaks volumes, and extending Northern Max to Leeds is hugely exciting.”

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council explains, “The new funding structure for the Northern Max Accelerator programme in 2024 opens doors for even more businesses. By working closely with our partners at Bradford Council, we recognise the immense potential for Leeds-based enterprises taking part in this innovative support programme.”

In 2023, the Northern Max cohort included four businesses that focused on improving mental health and wellbeing, leading to an instant synergy across the cohort. Russell Copley reflected on this, “Last year it was great to work with a group of businesses that were well aligned, but also very different. It meant that as a group we were more aware of the importance of mental health and the importance of ensuring positive mental health as an entrepreneur.”

With enterprising businesses being formed year on year, the council authorities are excited to hear from dynamic digital and tech businesses that are trading, and less than 3 years old.

The highly anticipated 2024 edition is set to offer an engaging range of interactive workshops spanning across both cities. These workshops will provide an overview to some of the fundamental elements that are known to be crucial for fostering robust business growth. As the Accelerator programme reaches its pinnacle, participating businesses prepare to pitch for invaluable support, potential investments, and coveted mentorship in a format reminiscent of the acclaimed ‘Dragons Den’.

This programme is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UKSPF is led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Digital Enterprise is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, acting as Lead Authority for the Funds.

For more information and to register interest for the next programme due to start April 2024, click here. Join us as we gear up to empower Leeds and Bradford’s entrepreneurial spirit and pave the way for unprecedented business achievements.