Ambitious entrepreneurs looking to grow their business are being urged to apply to NatWest’s accelerator programme, with up to 2,500 places available to founders for free.

NatWest Group has been found to be the biggest bank for startups in Great Britain, banking around one in five businesses under 2 years old.

The bank’s accelerator programme, which was recently ranked as the third best startup in Europe for networking by the Financial Times, has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

NatWest operates 13 physical and one digital accelerator hub spread across the UK, in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Warwick, Bristol, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, and Southampton.

Former accelerator alumni include GoJoe, a social fitness app which enables workplaces and brands to connect and engage their people.

Used by global companies such as British Gas and Diageo, GoJoe motivates employees through innovative team-based virtual challenges.

The company raised over £1 million in seed investment in 2022 and has just completed their latest round.

Speaking on the experience, Phil Steele, co-founder of GoJoe, said: “When we started with the NatWest accelerator we were little more than two guys and a PowerPoint.

“Thanks to the coaching, mentoring and support that we’ve received through the accelerator we have now completed two funding rounds which included professional athlete investment, created a product which is loved by the world’s best companies and assembled a team who will help us achieve our ambition of changing the way the world exercises.

“Quite simply, the programme really has ‘powered us up’, been our sherpa and catalyst for growth. A no brainer for ambitious start-ups.”

With applications now open for the next accelerator cohort, starting in September, entrepreneurs are being encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is 2nd August.

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Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest accelerator, commented: “In today’s ever-changing business landscape, growth is a necessity. The UK is home to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups, but it can be better at supporting ambitious business to grow, which is where our expertise comes in.

“As the UK’s biggest bank for start-ups, we understand that helping businesses succeed, not just through traditional lending but with full wraparound support, is crucial if we want a strong economy. And that’s exactly what we do – in our accelerator hubs, we’ve seen a whole host of businesses secure investment, grow their teams and move into other markets.

“We’re offering a record number of places on our accelerator programme in September to help more ambitious businesses on their path to growth. Every member of the programme is given the best start possible with access to expert mentors, networking opportunities and modern office space.

“We really do see the programme live up to its name. It can really accelerate your business.”