Tech accelerator Exchange is calling for ambitious scaleups to apply for its new Growth programme, designed exclusively to helping established digital and creative businesses accelerate their next phase of growth.
The call-out comes as the programme expands into Campfield, Manchester’s new 130,000 sq ft megacampus, developed by Allied London and operated by Department, which officially launches on June 25th.
The Growth programme is the only digital and creative accelerator for scale-ready businesses in the city and will focus specifically on scale-ready companies that have a proven market presence.
The Growth programme marks a significant evolution for Exchange, with the Campfield campus and the Exchange playing a central role in the council’s Culture in the City initiative, which is backed by UK Government.
This collaboration highlights Exchange’s vital role in supporting creative and digital innovation across Manchester.
The unique accelerator will focus on supporting businesses who want to scale operations, increase revenue and secure growth capital.
Successful applicants will have an existing business that meets the following criteria:
- Operating businesses beyond the idea or pre-revenue stage
- Consistent revenue generation over the past 6-12 months
- A core team with at least five employees, showcasing the capacity to execute growth strategies
- Clear growth roadmap and defined strategies for scaling operations or expanding into new markets
- Businesses currently operating or planning to expand within the greater Manchester area
- Potential for meaningful economic, social, or environmental impact
The launch of the Growth programme coincides with the launch of Exchange’s hugely successful Startup programme’s 10th cohort, a tech accelerator focused on early-stage companies seeking product market fit, initial revenue generation and investor readiness.
Since 2020, the programme has supported over 200 businesses and 1,000 individuals.
Together, they’ve secured over £15m in funding and raised a further £78m globally.
Exchange will be the anchor tenant of the Campfield megacampus, a major innovation hub within St. John’s, a growing district known for creativity, culture and tech.
In the last five years, Exchange companies have created more than 1,300 jobs, already surpassing half of its original 15-year target.
With the move to Campfield, Exchange Growth’s mission is to create 1,600 new jobs and sustain 2,400. Campfield will open its doors on Wednesday 25 June with a full day of industry events, innovation panels, inspiring speakers and free coworking, as well as an ‘Exchange Programme Overview’ for prospective candidates.
For more information and to sign up, visit here.
Rich Jones, head of Exchange, said: “This is more than a milestone; it’s a signal to the world that Manchester is a place where great businesses don’t just start – they scale. As we announce a call out for our first Growth programme and celebrate our 10th Startup programme, it reinforces that we’re creating an environment that turns ambition into impact.”
Tanya Grady, commercial firector at Allied London, said: “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative for the North, designed to fill a vital gap in support for digital and creative businesses at the scaling stage.
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“By running both the Growth and Startup programmes in tandem, we’re creating a powerful, collaborative ecosystem where businesses at every stage can thrive.
“The partnership with Campfield is key – every Campfield membership will includes access to Exchange’s dynamic business support ecosystem, ensuring an engaged, community-driven space that accelerates growth.”
Michael Ingall, CEO of Allied London, said: “Manchester has always been a city of firsts. With Exchange, we’re putting our foot on the accelerator, creating a home for the most exciting, impact-led tech and creative businesses in the UK and beyond.”
Applications for the Growth programme are now open. Apply now to be part of Manchester’s next wave of innovators.