Liverpool accelerator to take on 50 entrepreneurs

The Liverpool-based business accelerator Spark Up is looking to take on up to 50 entrepreneurs from Merseyside later this year.

Launching in October, the programme will span 12 weeks and focus on helping participating entrepreneurs develop a working business model. In Spark Up’s most recent programme, the 37 businesses that took part have since seen their collective turnover increase by around 163%, creating 15 jobs in the process.

The accelerator’s founder, Jenny Stewart, said: “This year our cohort of entrepreneurs has proven that this type of accelerator programme really does work – the figures from the impact report […] highlight the level of investment it has attracted, as well as the positive contribution to business skills.

“Over the past 20 weeks I have watched our entrepreneurs grow as individuals and, with that, grow their businesses. Their commercial acumen has increased tenfold, and with it their tenacity, drive and confidence in creating a sustainable, successful business.”

She added: “Spark Up has demonstrated there is entrepreneurial talent in Liverpool and we have the means to generate growth from within.”

Jenny hopes launch another three programmes in 2016. Since it was established two years ago, Spark Up has managed to generate more than £453k in investment opportunities for startups in the Liverpool area.

The Chambers of Commerce in Liverpool and Sefton will continue to support the programme, as will Liverpool-based web design firm Glow New Media, PR company The BIG Partnership and the University of Liverpool.

Applications for the next Spark Up programme open this Monday (July 27).

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