Free Scottish Startup Accelerator returns

by Startacus Admin

Great news now if you happen to be a Scottish entrepreneur, - our friends over at Entrepreneurial Spark (ESpark for short) are on the hunt once again for early stage startups and ventures to take part in their fab free business accelerator.  

The ESpark programme, which is now the largest free business accelerator in the world (woo!), takes place across 3 locations in Scotland, namely Glasgow, Edinburgh and the West Coast, in spaces which are affectionately known as ‘Hatcheries’ and ‘Nests’. The programme aims to provide everything that your ‘chicklet’ business needs to grow and become more investable…(yes- they are very fond of avian punnery).

The ESpark ‘hatcheries’ are now home to over 120 entrepreneurs running businesses at various stages of growth in an impressive range of industries. Whether your startup is in the initial ‘idea stage’ or has been trading for up to five years with a turnover of less than £1M, chances are there will be a space for you at ESpark.  But why should you want a place?... Quite a few reasons as it happens...

The programme

One thing that that we really like about ESpark is their mantra #GoDo, not only because it reminds us of our favourite Samuel Beckett play, but because it shows that they, like us, are all about the people (not to sound too cheesy). The programme is for the entrepreneur, not just the business. They place the nurturing of mindsets, behaviours and leadership qualities very much at the forefront of the work that they do. Alongside the opportunity to work in a collaborative shared office space  with loads of other like minded people, you will get;

• Up to 18 months of structured business support including access to over 50 specialist mentors, workshops and everything you need to make your business investable (whether you are looking for investment or not)

• Free office space with free WIFI

• Plenty of events and networking opportunities

• Cash up for grabs - Prep for the Scottish EDGE awards and over £70k at their entrepreneurial awards event ‘Hatchery Hits the Street’

That all sounds marvellous but what’s the catch? Well actually there isn’t one…Entrepreneurial Spark is a social enterprise, not for profit company and as such wont ask for any equity share or place any restrictions on your business… now that’s properly marvellous, don’t you think?

If it sounds like the accelerator for you then you’d best accelerate your way over to the ESpark website and fill in an application from because the deadline for the next intake is 16th of June!

If you like what you see here on Startacus, why not become a member of our growing community? It's free! And you'll get all this - exclusive access to our Business Toolkit, discounts and offers galore for your business via our member only business deals, the chance to network and connect with loads of fellow self-starters, and maybe even become our celebrated 'Self-Starter of the Week' and tell the world your startup tale! Join right here for free...

• #business accelerator
• #accelerator
• #scotland
• #esparks

Published on: 10th May 2014