Entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses are being urged to apply to NatWest’s latest accelerator programme in September.

Up to 2,500 places will be available for free this year.

Recently ranked as the third best start-up hub in Europe for networking, the accelerator has supported thousands of entrepreneurs so far.

Former ‘alumni’ include GoJoe, a social fitness app which enables workplaces and brands to connect and engage staff. Now used by the likes of Amazon, British Gas and Diageo, the company raised more than £1m in seed investment in 2022 and has just completed its latest round.

Co-founder Phil Steele said: “When we started with the NatWest Accelerator we were little more than two guys and a PowerPoint.

“Thanks to the coaching, mentoring and support that we’ve received through the accelerator we have now completed two funding rounds which included professional athlete investment, created a product which is loved by the world’s best companies and assembled a team who will help us achieve our ambition of changing the way the world exercises.”

Programme support includes coaching, peer network access and thought leadership events. The programme is free for participating businesses, which do not need to give up any equity to take part.

NatWest operates 13 physical and one digital accelerator hub spread across the UK – in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Southampton and Warwick.

The deadline for applications closes on 2 August.

Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Accelerator, said: “The UK is home to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups, but it can be better at supporting ambitious business to grow, which is where our expertise comes in.

“As the UK’s biggest bank for start-ups, we understand that helping businesses succeed, not just through traditional lending but with full wraparound support, is crucial if we want a strong economy.

“We’re offering a record number of places on our accelerator programme in September to help more ambitious businesses on their path to growth.”