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Proud Partners of Team GB, supporting athletes across GB and NI

Go for gold with our Accelerator Programme

Get access to one-to-one coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities.

What is the Ulster Bank Accelerator?

The Ulster Bank Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level.

Our free Accelerator programme specialising in wrap around support provides:

  • one-to-one coaching with our experienced acceleration managers
  • a programme of thought leadership and events
  • access to a network of like-minded peers, supported by our ecosystem managers
  • focused support with access to experts from across your specialism
  • use of our modern co-working spaces in one of our nationwide hubs.

Beauhurst

Rated by Beauhurst as the top UK Accelerator by size and growth (31st August 2022)

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ScaleUp Institute

Formally endorsed by the ScaleUp Institute

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WMG

Partnered with WMG for the Clean Transport Accelerator

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Who is Ulster Bank Accelerator for?

If you're a business with ambitions to expand, the Ulster Bank Accelerator programme could help.  You may be looking to build your team, venture into new markets or seeking further investment. The programme could help you gain the knowledge and skills to excel in a range of business areas:

  • Accessing new markets.
  • Attracting talent and building an effective team.
  • Access to growth funding.
  • Leadership development.
  • Developing a scalable infrastructure.

Our current Accelerator programmes are open to all business owners, you do not have to be an Ulster Bank customer.

If you are not yet a customer but would like to learn more, visit our Products and Services page and see how you could accelerate your business.

Clean Transport Accelerator

We're supporting businesses develop products and services that will help the UK achieve its net-zero goals.

The programme is run in partnership with the University of Warwick. It's open to applicants in the UK mobility sector, including supply chains and fuel providers.

Reza Najafian, CEO of StaffScanner

“It has really allowed me to broaden my network both internally within the hub and externally. Having check-ins with a dedicated coach really makes you accountable for your actions and keeps you setting deadlines for yourself. The feedback and advice has been invaluable for my business.”

What are the benefits?

We focus on the key driver of any business - you. With the right level of support and challenge, we could help you to take your business to the next level.

One-to-one coaching

You’ll be supported by a dedicated acceleration manager, helping to develop both you and your business, overcome challenges and move your business forward.

  • Bespoke one-to-one coaching with our acceleration coaches.
  • Accountability through goal setting and tracking progress.
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A community

Join a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs through our virtual network and make use of free co-working spaces across the UK.

  • Community Acceleration events to share knowledge and experience.
  • Access our workshops and industry-led events.
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Thought leadership

Focussed on your needs as an entrepreneur, our programme of thought leadership and content could support your acceleration.

  • Upskill with a calendar of events, workshops and industry support.
  • Access a library of digital learning content via the Business Builder tool.
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Network of partners

Our experienced regional ecosystem managers are here to connect you to the unrivalled partner and mentor network across the UK, at the right time for you and your business.

  • Connectivity to the bank’s huge book of contacts.
  • Unique access to our corporate accelerator partners, giving you free professional advice.
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Kameese Davis, Founder of Cherish Earth Ltd

“The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely and isolating experience, which can often cause you to second guess your decisions and slow progression. The camaraderie amongst entrepreneurs is something that I will deeply miss. 

In the hub, there is a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and someone is always on hand to give you the sound advice, encouragement or support you need to drive your business forward.”

More about the programme

Access our online events

We have events to support you at every stage, covering topics from selling with confidence to developing a remote culture, alongside our Audience with... series and industry specialist events.

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Support from our partners

We work with industry partners to provide you with support when it matters. Whether that’s legal advice or help with finances, our partners can help through free one-to-one sessions and bespoke advice.

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Our acceleration managers

Entrepreneurs benefit from time with experienced acceleration managers, getting them to think differently, pushing them out of their comfort zones by challenging them as leaders.

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Discover our Accelerator hubs and events

Our network of hubs across the UK are home to our Accelerator programme supporting entrepreneurs to grow and scale. Joining the Accelerator allows you to access co-working space and become part of a vibrant community of like-minded business owners in a location near you.

You can also sign up for one of our regular events to find out about the six month fully funded Accelerator programme. You’ll have the opportunity to meet your local Accelerator team, understand what support we could offer and engage with the vibrant entrepreneurial communities in each of our hubs.

Building up a giant

Read our latest case study about Where Giants Roam, a CGI and 3D creative agency based in Scotland. Discover how our Accelerator programme helped triple their turnover.

More opportunities for business and enterprise

As a major lender, we offer a wide range of services to people who want to start a business or scale-up. We’re committed to removing barriers, providing more opportunities and helping companies to achieve more.

Many of the businesses we support in our Accelerator have a climate focus.  We support businesses in all sectors to help them become more sustainable.

Business Builder

Build your business the right way

We’ve developed Business Builder to support businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages, whether you’re at the starting blocks or are an established business looking to make a change. It's free and you don’t have to be a Ulster Bank customer to join.