GM Business Growth Hub, in partnership with KPMG and RBC Brewin Dolphin, is inviting founders to apply for the next intake of their successful ASCEND Scale-Up Programme.
Starting in April 2027, the 12-month scale-up programme is designed to help 25 ambitious founders accelerate business growth and realise their future ambitions.
Fully funded and tailored specifically for established Greater Manchester businesses with an annual turnover of £1 million or more – and employing at least six people – the programme provides strategic support, networks and development opportunities.
It offers dedicated coaching, tailored workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities, including a strategy retreat and international exposure at founders conference SLUSH in Helsinki.
Now into its fourth cohort ASCEND also offers participants expert mentoring and leading insights from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, along with top-quality support from key partners. The combination of practical business support and peer-peer learning is adapted to help founders tackle some of the most common challenges associated with scaling.
Founders will gain inspiration and actionable insights from guest speakers, receive specialist support to become investor-ready and access funding opportunities, and take part in unique experiential learning experiences, including residential retreats at the beginning and midway point of the programme.
Importantly, the ASCEND programme gives founders something that most struggle to create by themselves: the time and space to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on the future direction of their business.
To date, ASCEND has supported 73 ambitious businesses across Greater Manchester, helping participating companies achieve an average growth rate of 34.8%, increase turnover by 36.1%, grow staff numbers by 13.9% and getting 1 in every 5 businesses into new markets.
“The most valuable aspect has been the relationships I have made with other businesses on ASCEND, the introductions, the conversations and support from real life examples from other businesses and speakers,” said Candice Bannister, co-founder, Candy’s Cupcakes.
“The mentors have been able to provide a wealth of advice and knowledge that we have actioned. Without their support we would have been lost.”
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Gabriel Erinle, founder of GAME FM, added: “I went in thinking I had a fair idea of what I was doing. I came out knowing where I was right, where I was wrong, and who to call when I couldn’t tell the difference.
“The doors that open off the back of this programme don’t open for the person who sits at the back.”
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Yvonne Sampson, director of enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “We are expecting 2027 to really put a global spotlight on Greater Manchester as a place of innovation, investment and opportunity.
“The results speak for themselves, and that is why ASCEND is such a great opportunity for our region’s senior business leaders and founders right now.
“We’ve designed ASCEND to elevate ambitious businesses emerging from Greater Manchester by supporting them to lead, succeed and be recognised at the highest levels through commercially minded connections and a carefully curated syllabus that we are delighted to be delivering in partnership with our partners at KPMG and RBC Brewin Dolphin on this programme.”
Founders who want to access the comprehensive support and resources that ASCEND is offering Greater Manchester’s business community are invited to register their interest.