You’ve proven your business works, and it’s been a success. But you can’t help thinking… what’s next?
Spark to Scale is here to answer that question.
This intensive, high-energy support programme is designed specifically for founders and business owners like you - ambitious, energetic, and ready to unlock the next level of growth.
We’re looking for Greater Manchester businesses with big potential to join this exciting programme, spread across four consecutive cohorts.
The next cohort starts in April 2026 – Applications are open now!
Where ambition meets action
Spark to Scale is an accelerated, six week programme (one full day and five half days) designed to propel ambitious businesses forward, offering unparalleled support, learning, and networking opportunities to help you supercharge your growth.
Whether you’re ready to scale your team, enter new markets, raise investment, or sharpen your strategy, Spark to Scale gets you and your business moving, fast. You’ll be laser focused and ready to build on success.
Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by our dedicated Spark to Scale Network Manager who will guide you through the journey, helping you make the most of each session and connecting you to the wider support available through the GM Business Growth Hub and wider ecosystem.
At the end of the programme, you will be matched with an experienced mentor, alongside tailored support and resources designed to help you continue your growth journey long after the programme has finished.
Why join?
Running a growing business can be an isolating experience – but we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone. Not only do participants get access to our specialist advisers and expert support, but you’ll be part of a community cheering you on.
What Our Participants Say
What makes Spark to Scale special is hearing directly from the participants themselves.
Watch their stories and hear their honest reflections on the experience, and the impact it’s had on their businesses.
Spark to Scale includes:
Specialist Workshops
Gain insights from industry specialists and experienced entrepreneurs, along with top-quality support from our key partners.
1-2-1 Advice & Mentoring
1-2-1 guidance from our advisers, followed by a matched mentor and tailored support to help continue your growth long after the programme ends.
Peer to Peer Power
Join a close-knit cohort of fellow founders. Share challenges, wins, and wisdom in a truly collaborative space.
Spark to Scale Community
Spark to Scale connects you to a wider community of support, potential collaborators, and new opportunities. Creating lasting connections that fuel growth beyond the programme.
The Programme - What you’ll master in 6 Weeks
Each session tackles a key area that impacts your ability to scale.
The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (Full day)
This full-day Strategy Workshop launches the Spark to Scale programme and is designed specifically for sustainable businesses ready to grow with clarity and confidence.
Through a structured and highly practical approach, participants will refine their business foundations using the Business Model Canvas, define their long-term growth trajectory through the 3-Year Orbit framework, and translate strategic ambition into a focused, measurable Action Plan. By the end of the day, delegates will have a clear strategic direction, aligned priorities, and a practical roadmap to support resilient, sustainable scale-up.
Workshop expert
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Jo Whitehead Spark To Scale Network Manager An experienced business growth advisor, Jo is highly skilled in strategic planning, customer engagement and relationship building. Since joining GM Business Growth Hub in 2021, she has contributed significantly to the development of business talent, playing a central part in the successful Skills for Growth programme. She consistently enhances the potential of SMEs through detailed situation analysis, the development of a growth vision, and strategic sales and marketing planning. Jo previously worked for 17 years in the banking sector, including pivotal roles at major financial institutions. Her career is marked by a dedication to driving business growth and forging strong strategic partnerships. |
Innovation to Scale: Building Resilience Through New Ideas (Half day)
This interactive innovation session is designed to spark fresh ideas and equip your business for sustainable growth. By fostering innovation, you'll not only build greater resilience into your company, but also strengthen your scaling strategy. This engaging workshop guides you through a step-by-step process, helping you establish a solid foundation and set clear, achievable goals tailored to your business ambitions.
Throughout the session, we work collaboratively to map out development plans for new products, services, or processes, then transition into commercialisation strategies, taking a closer look at your target market and identifying the unique needs of your customers. Leveraging proven tools such as the Innovation Canvas and the Value Proposition Canvas, we ensure you gain practical insights and actionable methods.
By the end of the session, you'll leave with a comprehensive understanding of the innovation challenges ahead and a concrete plan to tackle them. You'll be equipped with practical tools and a clear roadmap to accelerate the commercialisation of your innovations, fully aligned with your company's goals to scale up and thrive in a competitive landscape.
Workshop experts
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Belinda Carp Business Adviser Innovation Specialist Belinda is an Innovation Specialist with an interest in raising awareness of, and reducing where possible, the environment impact of activities. Belinda enjoys working with clients to identify where they need support, and to create a comprehensive plan for the development and commercialisation of their innovations – helping them to build on firm foundations and achieve the results they want. In the past, Belinda has freelanced as a business consultant, helping textile and clothing companies with their sustainability communications and international connections. |
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Tony Ayin Business Adviser Innovation Specialist Tony’s passion is helping businesses of all sizes grow through a focus on their people, business challenges and embracing technological advances. Tony has worked with some inspiring leaders in the last decade, developing their entrepreneurial mindsets which he has found so rewarding. After a career in Sales and Partnerships selling to every sector except nuclear, Tony has travelled the UK and across Europe winning contracts at companies such as Nissan, EDF Energy, Telefonica, Apple, Asda, NatWest Group plc, United Utilities, Telent, John Lewis Group plc, Vodafone (Belgium), G4S, MOD, and Telent. (formerly Carillion Telent).
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Sales & Marketing (Half day)
Details to be confirmed
Scaling-Up your People Management (Half day)
This interactive workshop is designed to equip growing businesses with the essential tools and strategies for effective people management.
Through interactive sessions, you’ll explore different leadership styles and discover how to inspire, motivate, and guide your team with confidence. With a focus on engagement and the essential management skills required to on-board a successful and productive team, the workshop also uncovers how to shape a strong employer brand and create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
You’ll also learn how reward and recognition systems engage employees, and how to introduce practical frameworks for performance management and appraisals that support continuous development and drive business growth.
Workshop experts
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Emma Connolly Business Adviser - Workforce Development Emma is a Workforce Development specialist for Stockport, working closely with local businesses to shape and strengthen their organisational development strategies. Emma’s role supports employers in aligning people practices with business growth objectives. Prior to this role, Emma served as Wellbeing Specialist at the GM Business Growth Hub, where she guided organisations in enhancing workforce wellbeing and leadership capability.
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Jo Lord Leadership, Skills and Social Impact Specialist Jo is an experienced Organisational Development Professional, Leadership Specialist & Coach who has spent over 25 years working with private, public and third sector organisations in a wide variety of sectors. |
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Angelina Harrop Business Adviser - Workforce Development Anglina’s background is rooted in education and skills development, and brings a practical, down-to-earth perspective to the challenges businesses face, especially as she is also a small business owner. Angelina understands the pressures and opportunities that come with running a business, which helps her connect with clients in a way that’s both relatable and results driven. Most recently, Angelina completed a Level 6 Apprenticeship in Chartered Management, achieving a distinction in the apprenticeship and a first-class honours degree. The experience has deepened her understanding of strategic leadership and organisational development, and she is passionate about sharing that knowledge to help others grow. |
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Finance, Funding & Cashflow (Half day)
The workshop kicks off with an introduction from GM Business Growth Hub’s Access to Finance (A2F) team, setting the stage for a dynamic exploration of funding and growth.
You'll then hear an inspiring talk on the founder journey (speaker to be announced), offering real-world insights into the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business.
A2F will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges of pre-scale fundraising - what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate the process with confidence. We’ll look at the funding landscape, guiding you through the various sources of finance available to growing businesses.
The highlight of the session is the 'Meet the Funders' panel, where you’ll have the chance to ask questions directly to representatives from GC Angels, Praetura, and FW Capital/GCBF.
You will leave the workshop informed, inspired, and ready to take your next steps toward securing the funding your business needs to thrive.
Workshop experts
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Andy Nichols Fund Manager - GC Business Finance Andy has worked for GC Business Finance for the last 12 years after spending 29 years at HSBC in their Retail, Commercial and Corporate Banking Teams. He is passionate about helping businesses secure the funding they need to help them reach their full potential. Andy is the Fund Manager for The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (Smaller Loans of between £25k and £100k.) |
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Adam Clayton Business Adviser - Access to Finance Specialist Previously working at NatWest for 15 years, Adam has great experience of working with businesses at all levels from startup to commercial level. Enterprise support and helping scaling businesses overcome barriers is his key objective. Adam frequently runs workshops supporting businesses, especially around the investment journey support. He has a great network across Greater Manchester. |
Social Value & Networking (Half day)
The final session of the cohort is a social value presentation and celebratory networking session.
Through the presentation our Social Value leads will explore the history of social value and core themes that generate social impact. We will also look at how social value impacts supply chain as well as main contractors. We will hear from Sarah Hopkinson of Equans who will discuss what social value means to their organisation and how they embed this within their supply chain.
Networking offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with peers, share experiences, and reflect on the progress made throughout the programme. It’s a relaxed and informal environment where participants can build on the relationships formed during the workshops, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations beyond the programme.
Workshop experts
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Paul Vicario Business Advisor - Social Value Specialist Paul is a Social Value Specialist from the GM Business Growth Hub with experience of delivering social value support to construction companies. Paul has worked on public sector contracts across the North West and have supported bid writing teams with successful tender submissions as well as delivering on-the-ground social value activity and fostering relationships with contract holders. At the Business Growth Hub, he has supported clients with their understanding of social value, helping them to implement good-practice which in-turn has led to successful outcomes for clients. |
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Nadir Sultan Business Advisor - Social Value Specialist Prior to his role as a Social Value Specialist, Nadir was working as a Senior Social Value Advisor at The Social Value Portal where he helped to embed the National TOMs framework into local authority procurement across the country. Nadir has vast experience in working with commissioners, procurement teams and businesses to understand, embed and think about social value in their everyday working lives. |
Are you eligible?
To join Spark to Scale, your business must:
- Have a trading address in Greater Manchester
- Employ a minimum of two people
- Generate an annual revenue of £120,000 +
Key dates
See below for the full schedule of session dates for each Spark to Scale cohort.
Week 1 The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (9:30am - 4:00pm) All other sessions are half-day (9:30am - 1:00pm)
- 16 April 2026 – The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (full day: 9:30am–4:00pm)
- 23 April 2026 – Innovation to Scale: Building Resilience Through New Ideas
- 30 April 2026 – Sales & Marketing
- 06 May2026 – Scaling-Up your People Management
- 13 May 2026 – Finance, Funding & Cashflow
- 20 May 2026 – Social Value & Networking
- 11 June 2026 – The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (full day: 9:30am–4:00pm)
- 18 June 2026 – Innovation to Scale: Building Resilience Through New Ideas
- 25 June 2026 – Sales & Marketing
- 02 July 2026 – Scaling-Up your People Management
- 09 July 2026 – Finance, Funding & Cashflow
- 16 July 2026 – Social Value & Networking
- 01 October 2026 – The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (full day: 9:30am–4:00pm)
- 08 October 2026 – Innovation to Scale: Building Resilience Through New Ideas
- 15 October 2026 – Sales & Marketing
- 22 October 2026 – Scaling-Up your People Management
- 29 October 2026 – Finance, Funding & Cashflow
- 05 November 2026 – Social Value & Networking
- 28 January 2027 – The Scale-Up Strategy Blueprint (full day: 9:30am–4:00pm)
- 04 February 2027 – Innovation to Scale: Building Resilience Through New Ideas
- 11 February 2027 – Sales & Marketing
- 18 February 2027 – Scaling-Up your People Management
- 25 February 2027 – Finance, Funding & Cashflow
- 04 March 2027 – Social Value & Networking
Apply to join the Spark to Scale Programme
Spark to Scale is a selective programme. We keep each cohort small to ensure high-quality interaction, personalised support, and a powerful peer-to-peer experience.
To apply for a place, click on 'Apply Now' below and fill in the application form, making sure to select the cohort you would like to attend.
We're delighted to share an exclusive offer for Spark to Scale participants, courtesy of our partner Bruntwood SciTech.
Enjoy 15% off Pay As You Go coworking. This exclusive discount is available against all Bruntwood SciTech Pay As You Go coworking and meeting spaces in Greater Manchester, perfect for entrepreneurs and scale-ups looking for adaptable workspace solutions.