Business support organisation Elevator is to expand its offering into a fourth Scottish city with the launch of a creative industries accelerator in Glasgow.
The accelerator will aim to help catalyse high potential start-ups as part of Glasgow City Council’s Business Growth Programme
With an already established track record in entrepreneurial support, Elevator was appointed by the local authority as one of the programme’s suppliers.
Over the next three years, the support organisation will also deliver a range of business structuring and advice to local entrepreneurs and SMEs.
The Glasgow Creative Accelerator powered by Elevator, open to start-ups, early stage and growth companies, will aim to offer support in a targeted and innovative way to help shape and develop their initiatives.
The fully funded, 12-week programme will give participants access to the methodologies, mentorship, and networks to strengthen their overall business models and accelerate business success.
Its aim is to help drive sustainable growth and bolster Glasgow’s creative sector.
In addition, Elevator will play its role to drive sustainable growth across the entire business lifecycle of the City’s SMEs, as part of the Council’s Business Growth Programme.
The support organisation will deliver services related to leadership, finance, design, innovation, internationalisation, digital and business resilience to help growth and improve start-up rates.
Elevator CEO Prof Gary McEwan said: “We are committed to driving economic development across all of Scotland’s SMEs and are delighted to be working alongside Glasgow City Council to inspire, support and bolster Glasgow’s SME community.
“Our proven track record demonstrates that we are and continue to provide entrepreneurs with the innovative support and advice they need.
“Growing our Accelerator offering from one to nine in four regions, across five specific sectors, coupled with a business model which sees us exceed Business Gateway performance requirements, is testament to this.
“We look forward to bringing our expertise and insight to uncover, develop and support Glasgow’s great business and creative potential.
“Our appointment within the Council’s Business Growth Programme is only start of our vision and ambition to support both Glasgow and Scotland’s overall wealth of entrepreneurial talent.”
Applications for the Creative Accelerator are now open and are being sought from those working within Glasgow’s creative industries.
The application deadline is 7 December, with the programme beginning in January 2021.