Supporting early stage companies
Are you an innovative, early-stage business? Are you ready to scale up?
If so, the highly respected University of Southampton Science Park Catalyst business accelerator could be just what you need to help you succeed.
Commencing in September, Catalyst is a unique opportunity for owners of early stage technology companies to get the support they need to move their businesses forward - fast. With benefits valued at approximately £15,000, this six-month intensive programme is fully funded for successful applicants and, unlike alternative schemes, no equity is taken from the participating companies.
Catalyst requires weekly participation in interactive peer group workshops and high-level one-to-one mentoring sessions. As with most things, the more you put into it, the more you will get out. On completion, participants will have created an investment-ready Business Plan, Management Team Plan and Funding Plan, as well as the knowledge and networks needed to boost their chance of commercial success.
The 2020 Catalyst programme commences on Monday 7th September. It will be adapted for virtual group participation should government guidelines around social distancing require this at the time.
Find out more and apply here. The deadline for applications is Monday 13th July.
Applicants should be available to pitch their business at selection days to be held on Thursday 23rd and Monday 27th July.
Science Park Business Development Director Jane Holt says: “It’s estimated that nine out of ten UK start-ups fail within the first three years. Although shocking, this is unsurprising because starting and running a business is no mean feat. It’s incredibly difficult, especially if you’re a first-time business owner. New entrepreneurs need help to get the foundations right and to structure their business effectively. Doing so should give them access to funding that will enable them to bring their ideas to market. And that’s where we come in. This kind of focused support from highly experienced mentors – many of whom have taken the entrepreneurial journey themselves – alongside challenging community work with peers is what Catalyst is all about. What’s more, companies benefit from a prestigious address at our Innovation Centre from which to do business for the duration of the programme.”
Early stage businesses that have previously benefited from Southampton Science Park’s Catalyst business accelerator include: Utonomy Made & Worn and Amodisc.
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