Wales’ brightest entrepreneurial minds are being urged to seize an opportunity to fast-track their business ideas. The Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme is now accepting applications for its innovative 10-week immersive Start-Up Accelerator Programme, which will launch on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and conclude on Friday 18 July 2025.
This entirely virtual programme offers tailored support to help participants turn their ideas into fully operational businesses. Through targeted coaching and masterclasses, participants will learn how to develop a sustainable business model and secure their first paying customers.
Sessions will explore new AI applications that boost creativity, streamline market research and enhance efficiency. These applications will equip participants with the skills to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace.
The accelerator is open to aspiring Welsh entrepreneurs with pre-revenue business ideas. To qualify, businesses should have the potential to achieve over £1 million in annual turnover and create tenfull-time jobs by 2029, with export opportunities. Support is available to help overcome barriers to participation, ensuring accessibility for all eligible applicants.
Andrea Jones, a previous participant and winner of the Accelerator Champion Award in 2024, highlighted the impact the programme had on her business:
“The Start-Up Accelerator Programme transformed my business concept into a market-ready venture. The mentorship and collaborative environment
provided me with the clarity and confidence to develop VisVira, which is now at the forefront of AI agent assistants and AI employees. Participating in the accelerator was invaluable, enabling me to turn my vision into actionable results.”
The programme will include a mix of webinars, masterclasses and 1-2-1 mentoring from business role models and growth experts. Peer-to-peer networking will help participants build connections, gain insights and foster collaboration. Participants will also benefit from PR opportunities to raisetheir business profiles. The programme culminates in a high-profile awards event celebrating entrepreneurial achievement.
Richard Morris, Programme Director of the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme, said:
“The Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Programme provides participants with the tools, expertise and support networks necessary to transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses. This programme ensures that Welsh entrepreneurs are well-equipped to thrive in an increasinglycompetitive market by embracing AI and other innovative techniques.
“I am excited to see the next wave of Welsh entrepreneurs emerge from this programme.”
Richard Selby, Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales and a judge for the Accelerator Programme’s awards, added:
“Wales has a proud tradition of entrepreneurship, and this programme provides an excellent platform for the next generation of business leaders. Through innovation and practical support, theaccelerator offers participants a unique chance to turn their bold ideas into thriving enterprises.”
Applications for the Start-Up Accelerator Programme must be submitted by Monday 31 March 2025.The programme will run from Tuesday 13 May 2025 until Friday 18 July 2025.
Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in participating can register their interest by clicking the link below: https://events.newable.co.uk/events/1357/business-wales-start-up-accelerator-may-2025
