GM Business Growth Hub has reopened applications for ASCEND, a 12-month scale-up programme for established Greater Manchester businesses with turnover of at least \u00a31m.<\/p>\n
The programme, delivered in partnership with KPMG and RBC Brewin Dolphin, provides fully funded support including monthly one-to-one mentoring, workshops and international exposure at Slush in Helsinki.<\/p>\n
Independent analysis by the ScaleUp Institute found businesses participating in ASCEND achieved average turnover growth of at least 36.1% and employment growth of 13.9%.<\/p>\n
Yvonne Sampson, director of enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “We are expecting 2027 to really put a global spotlight on Greater Manchester as a place of innovation, investment and opportunity. The results speak for themselves, and that is why ASCEND is such a great opportunity for our region’s senior business leaders and founders right now.”<\/p>\n
The programme targets businesses employing at least six people and provides strategic support to help founders step away from day-to-day operations to focus on future growth.<\/p>\n
ASCEND has supported 73 businesses across Greater Manchester to date, helping companies achieve an average growth rate of 34.8% and getting one in five businesses into new markets.<\/p>\n
Candice Bannister, co-founder of Candys Cupcakes, said: “The most valuable aspect has been the relationships I have made with other businesses on ASCEND, the introductions, the conversations and support from real life examples from other businesses and speakers. The mentors have been able to provide a wealth of advice and knowledge that we have actioned. Without their support we would have been lost.”<\/p>\n
The next cohort begins in November 2027, with 25 places available.<\/p>\n
Applications are open now, with shortlisted businesses invited to interview.<\/p>\n
The programme includes a strategy retreat, tailored workshops covering leadership, finance and growth planning, and access to funding opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ASCEND has supported 73 ambitious companies to date with track record of 36% growth<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279564,"featured_media":2180313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[120667],"coauthors":[137134],"class_list":["post-2180310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-smes","tag-featured-story","tag-greater-manchester","tag-northwest"],"yoast_head":"\n