The ASCEND Scale Up Programme is a dynamic, 6-month flagship development initiative by GM Business Growth Hub. Tailored for local founders of high-growth businesses in Greater Manchester, ASCEND is designed to rapidly scale your business and achieve your ambitions.
What can you expect from this action-packed programme?
Tailored to the needs of the ambitious founders who participate in the programme:
Workshops
Hands-on workshops designed to drive significant growth and improvement based on your needs, including the “Strategy to Action” day at KPMG.
Personalised Coaching and Mentoring
Receive expert guidance and support to help you scale.
Experiential Travel
Step out of your comfort zone with the chance to attend Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon to expand your global connections and insights.
Funding Opportunities
Connect you with active investors to present your business and enhance your funding prospects.
Elite Network
Join a community of high-growth founders, offering collaborative support and networking opportunities.
Fireside Chats
Gain valuable knowledge and insights from the successes and failures of seasoned entrepreneurs and founders.
As part of the ASCEND Scale Up Programme, our partner KPMG will lead a number of delivery days, including "Strategy to Action", focusing on translating strategic vision into actionable plans and fostering a culture of success. Participants will gain insights into strategy frameworks, strategic options assessment, and overcoming challenges in setting growth strategies. They'll also learn techniques to cultivate a culture for success within their teams, empowering them to drive tangible results and innovation.
Experience the World's Largest Tech Conference
ASCEND participants will have the opportunity to attend Web Summit in Lisbon November 2024. Join by over 70,000 attendees, the event offers a great learning and networking opportunity to gain industry inspiration and global exposure.
Applications Closed for ASCEND Scale Up Programme
Thank you for your interest in the ASCEND Scale-Up Programme. The application window is now closed.
Stay tuned for future opportunities and updates. For more information or to explore other programmes and resources, please contact us.
Mentors
Howard Simms
Founder of Apadmi, experienced in technology and scaling businesses
Susanna Lawson
Co-founder of OneFile, expert in edtech and start-up/scale-up advising
Tony Preedy
Former Managing Director of Fruugo, specializing in digital marketing and growth strategy
Vikas Shah
Entrepreneur and investor, with extensive experience in founding and exiting businesses
FAQs
Still not sure if the ASCEND Scale Up is right for you? Our most common questions are here.
If you still have questions, get in touch.
The ASCEND Scale Up Programme is a flagship initiative by GM Business Growth Hub designed to assist ambitious businesses in Greater Manchester with scaling up their operations. It offers a blend of workshops, personalised guidance, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to the needs of scaling businesses.
The programme is open to leaders from businesses of any size and sector located in Greater Manchester, demonstrating the potential for rapid growth in the year ahead. Applicants should be primary owners or decision-makers within their organisations, with a clear rationale for participating in the programme.
The programme includes workshops focusing on fundamental aspects of scaling, leadership development, personalised guidance from Business Advisors, experiential visits, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and access to resources within the Greater Manchester business ecosystem.
Business leaders are selected through an application and interview process, with emphasis placed on their vision, potential for growth, and commitment to leveraging the opportunities provided by the programme.
Interested business leaders should fill out the expression of interest form available on the GM Business Growth Hub website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess their suitability for the programme.
GM Business Growth Hub will fund the tickets, programme of activity, hotel, and breakfast. Participants should fund their travel to Lisbon and other meals.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
Sign-up to our newsletter
Insights, news, events and opportunities straight to your inbox.