Two new fully funded business programmes launched by Growth Hub
The Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub is opening up two fully funded business programmes to companies in the city region.
Founders of fast-growing businesses in Greater Manchester can apply for GM Business Growth Hub’s second ASCEND scale-up programme which will guide 25 businesses through a 9-month scale-up programme, in partnership with KPMG.
In addition to the support from the GM Business Growth Hub, ASCEND also encompasses workshops, fireside chats, and lightning talks spanning a broad spectrum of topics, as well as a trip to Web Summit Lisbon 2025 and possible trade mission opportunities.
Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub, said the success of phase one gave her confidence to expand. “Once again, we are excited to collaborate with the KPMG team on this initiative. I am certain that, by building on our solid foundation, phase two of the ASCEND Scale-up programme will nurture the next generation of industry leaders in Greater Manchester,” she said.
In addition, the Create Growth Programme will support local music venues in Greater Manchester as part of a broader effort to support the creative industries, with a particular focus on the music sector and will help venues test new ideas, diversify their activities, and develop sustainable business models to generate more revenue.
Launching in late May, the new cohort will provide tailored support to rehearsal and recording studios, venues, and festival/live music producers. Participants will benefit from 1-2-1 support sessions with our business advisor with in-depth industry knowledge, peer-to-peer learning, and networking opportunities. In addition, they will also have the fully funded pass to join the first-ever SXSW London as part of a Greater Manchester delegation and the unique opportunity to connect with industrial counterparts from Austin, Texas, US, where SXSW began in 1987.
“Greater Manchester has a rich and storied history in music, from iconic bands like The Smiths and Oasis to our vibrant grassroots venues,” said Becki Coen, Digital, Creative and Technology (DCT) Programme Manager at GM Business Growth Hub. “The Create Growth Programme’s new cohort is designed to build on this legacy by providing tailored support to local music venues. This initiative will help them innovate, diversify, and thrive in today’s competitive landscape, ensuring our music scene continues flourishing for years.”
In January, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced a massive support package to the UK’s creative industries, which included £2.5 million for the Supporting Grassroots Music Fund and £7 million for the UK Global Screen Fund.
Greater Manchester has been identified as one of the priority regions for the creative industries.
During a trade mission to the SXSW held in Austin, Texas, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, announced the launch of the Greater Manchester Music Export Office. This initiative will enable local businesses to leverage music connections and exchanges with Austin as part of the Friendship Cities agreement to foster international collaboration and promote Greater Manchester’s dynamic music scene.
