Scale-up businesses from across the South West are being urged to apply to join one of the leading accelerator hubs for entrepreneurs.

The NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator in Bristol has already helped hundreds of entrepreneurs from across all parts of the South West achieve national and international success.

And with applications now open for the next accelerator cohort, entrepreneurs are being encouraged not to miss out with the deadline for applications closing on February 17.

The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level and specialises in complete wraparound support.

The free programme includes:

• one-to-one coaching with NatWest’s experienced Acceleration Managers;

• a programme of thought leadership and events;

• access to a network of like-minded peers, supported by NatWest’s Ecosystem Managers;

• focused support with access to experts from across your specialism;

• free use of NatWest modern co-working spaces including at the Bristol Hub.

If you're a business with ambitions to expand, the NatWest Accelerator programme could help. You may be looking to build your team, venture into new markets or seeking further investment. Whatever your ambitions, the programme could help you gain the knowledge, skills and contacts you need to scale and excel.

Crucially, the programme is free and participants do not need to give up any equity in their businesses to take part or bank with NatWest.

Current cohort member, Guy Thurlow, Co-Founder of Target Student said “Having completed two cohorts of the Natwest Accelerator programme, I’ve gained so much value from being a part of this amazing community especially connecting and learning from other business owners. The programme is the perfect opportunity for founders looking to grow their business.

I have gained the ability to solve problems effectively using peer to peer feedback to gather new perspectives and those peers have also ensured that I am held accountable on all goals that have been set. We have also had access to a business coach, Andy, who has guided us every step of the way as our business has scaled and we have faced new challenges, without him we certainly wouldn't be where we are today.”

Andrew Jackson, Enterprise Accelerator Manager at NatWest’s Bristol’s Accelerator, said: “This is a truly unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level. Entrepreneurs and business leaders join a community of like-minded individuals who come together with the intent to learn & grow. We focus on the key driver of any business – the entrepreneur – and that is what makes this programme different. With NatWest’s expertise and support, we enable You to take your business further, faster”

For more information or to apply search online for NatWest Accelerator or visit https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html. Deadline for applications is February 17.