Deadline for the scheme is fast approaching and set to close this September.
Y-Accelerator – the prestigious business programme which offers intensive support, development and one-to-one mentoring for entrepreneurs – is calling for final applications from businesses across the city region before the deadline of 15th September 2019.
This will be the sixth time the highly regarded programme has been run locally with 12-weeks of fast-track development support from October 2019 to January 2020, designed to benefit the business leaders of tomorrow with real-world advice and mentoring, providing access to a network of industry experts and specialist workshops.
Y-Accelerator is looking for 10 ambitious individuals, teams or early stage businesses with growth potential. On offer is an amazing opportunity to receive free advice and support from local entrepreneurs, private businesses, advisors and other local organisations over the 12-week period.
Dedicated Y-Accelerator advisors, using modern business modelling techniques will provide a bespoke programme of tailored one-to-one support, with help from resident entrepreneur Gordon Macrae from Gripple Ltd and expert workshops in specific subject areas.
By the end of the programme, most participants will have made some huge steps forward in developing their business and will then pitch their ideas to an audience including potential investors. In addition, the best pitch will receive a £1,000 prize from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).
Y-Accelerator is a collaborative initiative from the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, hosted and facilitated by Rotherham Investment Development Office (RiDO), with support from UKSE, Gripple, The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, as well as other local businesses.
Keith Williams, Regional Manager at UKSE: “The Y-Accelerator programme is a fantastic initiative which offers amazing support to entrepreneurs, both at the start-up stage and those who have already started their company.
“I know the Y-Accelerator has been enormously helpful to those on previous programmes and we are very pleased to support again and offer the £1,000 best pitch prize.”
Gordon McRae, special projects manager at Gripple, said: “We are really excited to be involved in the Y-Accelerator for the third time. With a strong aim to create and strengthen new businesses for the economic benefit of the region, Y-Accelerator will work hard to provide specialist workshops and expertise for people in a completely tailored way.
“The programme is a fantastic chance to not only gain specialist business expertise, but an opportunity to really take advantage of in-house advice, a strong network of industry contacts and experience of creating a strong business model.
“If you or your team have an innovative idea and have an aspiration to build a strong new business in the Sheffield City Region, then we want to hear from you. We’re looking for all stages of applicants – students, employed or unemployed people are all encouraged to apply – it’s the idea and ambition that counts.”
Amanda Parris, business growth manager for RiDO, said: “The Y-Accelerator programme is a truly fantastic, unique initiative and we offer a very bespoke package for the people we work with. As well as a great idea, we want to work with people who think differently and who will soak up our specialist advice to create a viable, scalable business.
“People from all industry sectors are encouraged to apply, although logistics, manufacturing, and automation are especially of interest. We are delighted to run the programme for the sixth time, and we are looking forward to working with some more exciting businesses.”
The Y-Accelerator 2019/20 is inviting applications until 15th September through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub portal.
UKSE provides loan and equity finance of up to £1M to existing companies which are growing, particularly those creating jobs. If you are an established business which needs growth finance then please contact UK Steel Enterprise on 0800 915 1188.
