ESTABLISHED businesses are being urged to sign up to an entrepreneur programme which provides expert coaching and mentoring.
Now in its 10th intake, the entrepreneur accelerator programme by Ulster Bank has created hundreds of jobs and raised millions of pounds in investment and funding since it was established in 2016.
More than 700 businesses have been through the programme, which includes support from partners including Pinsent Masons, Dell Technologies, Hiscox, Deloitte, Free Agent and Equifax.
The programme can help businesses which are trying to grow, launch a new product or invest in leadership.
John Ferris, entrepreneur development manager with Ulster Bank, said it is keen to attract more companies to the programme.
"To date, we have helped hundreds of businesses achieve success and we want to support many more to achieve their goals," he said.
"Some of our accelerator alumni have gone on to achieve international recognition and are now trading on a global scale."
Now in their second term with the programme, cycling tech and data company See.Sense said their experience had been "transformational".
Philip McAleese, who co-founded the company with his wife Irene, said: "We have been helped to grow and scale international markets which had been a goal for the company for some time."
"Beyond that, it has also been very beneficial for staff retention and engagement," he said.
"Our employees love coming to work in the modern, centrally-located office facilities provided and being part of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem has helped to boost enthusiasm while sharing ideas with those around us."
The bank's entrepreneurship team will host a drinks reception tomorrow from 5pm in the Belfast Hub on Donegall Square East. Anyone thinking about applying to the programme is encouraged to come along.
Applications to the Accelerator programme close on August 24.
Successful applicants can progress through the programme up to a maximum of three times over 18 months.
For more information visit www.ulsterbank.co.uk/accelerator
