One week left to apply for accelerator programme

Midlands entrepreneurs have just one week left to apply for support from NatWest and its Accelerator programme, with the deadline for applications extended to February 27 at 9am.

Two local entrepreneurs who have seen their business go from strength-to-strength with the support of a NatWest business building programme are encouraging others to apply for a place on the scheme before the closing date next week.

Rachael Mole and Alice Hargreaves, from Warwickshire, founded SIC in the City CIC (trading as SIC) in early 2021. The not-for profit organisation works to close the disability employment gap by providing career advice to disabled, neuro-diverse and chronically ill people and working with businesses to help them to become more inclusive employers.

Rachael and Alice joined NatWest 's Accelerator programme at the University of Warwick in September last year to access the advice and business mentoring on offer.

Rachael, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTs, founded the firm after leaving her previous employment when they were unable to make adjustments for her illness, said: “As first-time business owners, we 're always looking for opportunities to further develop our company and the support from the NatWest Accelerator programme has been really amazing for myself and for the business. It 's helped us set goals and challenges ourselves, as well as stay accountable and track our progress. ”

Co-founder Alice added: “In just over 18 months, we 've already worked with over 200 disabled people and had 11 trainees, and we 're very proud of having a 100% success rate of helping them in to work. With support from the mentors at NatWest, we 're thrilled to be looking ahead to our next steps, including the launch of our e-learning hub. ”

The NatWest Accelerator scheme gives business owners six months of free support, with guidance on how to scale and grow their business. Support is tailored to the needs of the business and includes one-to-one coaching on topics including pitching, finding funding and leadership development.

The scheme also introduces the budding entrepreneurs to a network of local business support organisations, plus provides free use of NatWest 's modern spaces.

Deborah Lewis, local enterprise manager for NatWest, said: “The NatWest Accelerator programme supports and empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their business to the next level. We can help entrepreneurs to take their business much further and faster, so we 'd encourage any small businesses who might benefit to apply before the closing date next week. ”

The two Midlands NatWest Accelerator hubs, at the University of Warwick and in Birmingham, are part of a national network of hubs run by the bank to support small and medium-sized businesses.

The network is one of the largest of its kind across the UK and over the past four years, the programme has supported more than 3,500 individuals and businesses, helping them achieve an average turnover of £301,521 and to raise £198m in total investments.

Entrepreneurs do not need to bank with NatWest or give up any equity in their businesses to benefit from the support and applications for the programme, which begins in March, close at 9am on February 27.

Click here for more information or to apply.

Pictured (L-R): Rachael Mole and Alice Hargreaves