Empower100 programme

Empower100 is a growth and investment readiness accelerator programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Virgin StartUp.

The eight-week programme has a mix of online and in-person events, as well as dedicated one-to-one sessions with experts and mentoring from investors and entrepreneurs in residence. Run every quarter, the programme has been designed to level the playing field for founders growing the businesses they're passionate about.

The programme will help founders to:

• Design a comprehensive and realistic growth strategy
• Attract brilliant talent and create a thriving culture through leadership
• Understand the investment landscape and what investors are looking for
• Refine their brand proposition and sales strategy
• Develop a knockout investment deck and brilliant pitch
• Learn how to unlock grant, equity and crowdfunding to grow

The programme

• Module 1: Getting ready for growth
• Module 2: Building your brand
• Module 3: Sales and marketing strategies
• Module 4: Leadership, building a team, and culture
• Module 5: Financial planning for growth
• Module 6: Funding landscape and journey
• Module 7: Pitch practice and presentation skills
• Module 8: Mentoring day and networking event in person
• Module 9: Demo Day in person (selected founders only)

Eligibility requirements

Businesses applying must meet the following criteria:

• Have a UK business based in Greater London
• Been trading for a minimum of 18 months
• Have at least two employees
• Have a minimum turnover of £50,000 per annum
• Have a strong underlying business proposition