Ready To Take Your Business Global?
If you are a fast-growing Greater Manchester business ready to take the next step towards international expansion, then take a look how our brand-new International Scale Up Programme can support your growth ambitions.
Delivered by the Enhanced Trade Partnership in Greater Manchester, this programme brings together the combined expertise and resources of the GM Business Growth Hub, Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Together, we’re building a globally competitive, internationally connected business community right here in Greater Manchester.
This is your opportunity to join a high-impact cohort of Greater Manchester businesses and gain the strategic support needed to scale up successfully on the world stage.
Who Is The Programme For?
We’re looking for established, high-growth potential businesses that are:
- Based in Greater Manchester
- Operating for at least 3+ years in the domestic UK market
- You can be either a first-time exporter or have experience trading internationally.
- You have a scalable product or service ready for international markets
- Ideally have registered a year-on-year growth
- All sectors welcome
- Ready to commit time and resources for this 6-month programme, although individual tailored activities for which a grant has been allocated will have a max of 12-month period to take place (e.g. Market Visits, Trade Exhibitions, etc).
If this sounds like your business, you could be eligible to join a tailored support programme designed to accelerate your journey into international markets.
What You Can Expect
The International Scale-Up Programme will offer you:
- Access up to £2,500 grant to support your exporting strategy
- Help developing a robust and sustainable export action plan
- 1-2-1 support from a dedicated International Trade Adviser
- Support with trade missions, market visits, and introductions to overseas partners
- Fully funded expert-led workshops
- Access to Export Champions and Mentors
- 20% off on your 1st year of Membership with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
- Access preferential rates on GMCC’s wide range of international trade services. Including their British Chamber of Commerce Foundation Award on International Trade.
Trade Diagnostic - Understand how export ready your business is
Export Strategy - Develop a robust global growth strategy
Export Training - Preparing for success
Making Connections - Meet Market Experts and Potential Partners
Access to Funding & Getting Paid - Helping you Access New Markets
Customs, Regulations & Documentation - Helping your business remain compliant
Whether you're exporting for the first time or expanding into new regions, we’ll equip you with the tools, networks, and confidence to grow globally.
Key Dates
If your business fits the criteria and you're ready to explore new international markets, don’t miss this opportunity. We will have two cohorts of up to 25 businesses.
Cohort 1
- Applications open until Fri, 31st Oct 2025
- Applications assessed and selection Nov 2025
- Programme starts early Dec 2025
- Export actions plan agreed by Dec 2025
- Group activities by Jan/Feb 2025
- Individual tailored export activity by Nov 2026
Cohort 2
- Applications open Jan 2026
- Applications assessed and selection by Start of Feb 2026
- Programme starts mid-Feb/Mar 2026
- Export actions plan agreed by Mar 2026
- Group activities by April/May 2026
- Individual tailored export activity by Feb 2027
Cohort 1 Now Open for Application!
Scale internationally and tap into the Greater Manchester
Business Support Ecosystem.
