Second phase of Greater Manchester start-up programme launches in October
A Greater Manchester-wide programme, which offers free support for start-ups, is set to launch its second phase called Initiate. The programme, run by Manchester Digital and funded through the Barclays Eagle Lab project by the government, offers fully-funded places for 100 start-ups and founders across six months.
Initiate launches in October and is inviting founders and entrepreneurs from right across Greater Manchester to join the sessions, which include expert advice, in-depth masterclasses, a knowledge hub and tailored support. The first phase saw a number of roadshows for start-ups and founders across the boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Katie Gallagher OBE, managing director at Manchester Digital, said: “Our Start-up Activator was launched to foster a community and provide guidance from experts and experienced founders.
“We strongly encourage founders, from ideation stage through to early traction, from across Greater Manchester to sign up and take part in the new Initiate programme. We want entrepreneurs from all parts of our region to come together to drive and develop tech innovation.”
Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “Using our Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we’re allocating funding to organisations like the Manchester Digital who are already plugged into their regional ecosystems. We are proud to be able to support these projects which are designed to help early-stage tech entrepreneurs. This ensures our on-going commitment to support the tech sector which is vital to the continued growth of local economies across the whole of the UK.”
The Initiate programme sits under Manchester Digital’s Startup Activator and was awarded funding by Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, funded by UK Government, providing a much needed catalyst to scale its industry specific support for startups in the ecosystem.
The Startup Activator programme was launched in 2023, and is also supported by Bruntwood SciTech, TLT, Kao Data and Zoho, to provide free support to startups from their idea stage to early traction – offering resources, mentorship and community connections.
The application closing date for Initiate is September 25, 2024. Most sessions are delivered remotely, but there will be some in-person sessions.
