Excelerator Programme

Championing diversity in entrepreneurship in Wales

We are launching a programme specifically designed to champion diversity in entrepreneurship in Wales - the Excelerator Programme.

We are offering up to 24 people from particular groups, who have been most economically impacted by COVID, the opportunity to take part in this 12-week immersive accelerator programme, to help you launch, grow and scale your business or business idea.

This completely virtual programme includes a series of expert masterclasses focused on a highly effective rapid start-up methodology, business scaling and securing business investment for founders, as well as mentorship and professional coaching from business start-up and scale up experts.

Why launch the Excelerator Programme?

We recognise that women, young people, disabled people and people from the BAME community have  experienced a greater economic impact as a result of the COVID outbreak. We want to help change that and this programme is designed to help budding entrepreneurs from these groups to imagine, start and grow new ventures. Initially running as a pilot programme, we hope to build on the success of the first cohort and roll this programme out to support as many entrepreneurs as we can in their business journey.

What does the Excelerator Programme include?

We’re running this programme virtually from January 2021 onwards for 12 weeks and the programme comprises:

  • Taking entrepreneurs on a step-by-step journey from business idea to paying customers and a sustainable business model
  • Developing participants’ core business skills and a ‘success mind-set’
  • A series of webinars and masterclasses, one-to-one expert mentoring and coaching, from inspirational speakers, role models and business growth experts.
  • An awards event in April – providing valuable profile and PR opportunities for participants.


Why should I apply?

  • To develop a sustainable, robust business model
  • Access to a network of experienced mentors and peers
  • Develop your success mind-set and confidence
  • A clear plan for growth

Who should apply?

Wales-based individuals who consider themselves from the groups outlined, specifically: young people (aged 18 to 25), women, members of the BAME community and disabled people.

Whether you have a business idea and want to start your own business, or have already been trading for less than a year, or have revenue of under £50k, we can work with people at various stages of their business journey. The only criteria is that the business needs to have high growth potential.

Submit your applications as soon as possible. Only the first 24 successful applicants will be accepted onto the Excelerator Programme.

I’m interested, what are the next steps?

Thank you for your interest, the Excelerator Programme is closed to applications.

For any queries, please email agpadmin@winning-pitch.co.uk or contact us on 02920 351451


The Excelerator Programme is part of the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.