Fifty tech companies will receive fully funded support and mentoring based on the power of peer-to-peer growth from proven entrepreneurs to accelerate and scale their business ambitions.听
Innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology at MediaCityUK, has launched HOST 50, a programme for 50 ambitious start-ups and SMEs from across sectors that are looking to become part of an inclusive business community, accelerating their growth, and innovating their digital and tech offerings.听
HOST aims to break the barriers of entry to the tech sector faced by those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, disrupting the way entrepreneurs connect and learn from each other – sharing skills and experiences by building a sustainable, supportive community.听
Driven by a combination of networking, collaboration and learning, companies will also receive access to workspace and the opportunity to register their business at MediaCityUK with a complimentary听three-month Premium Club Membership, valued at 拢450. This includes access to HOST鈥檚 co-working space and sixth-floor meeting rooms.听
Research from the Federation of Small 老九品茶es (FSB) has shown that 70 per cent of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate compared with non-mentored entrepreneurs.听
While there seems to be a range of business support available in the听North West听particularly due to the pandemic, HOST has recognised that there is a need for businesses to have access to a diverse entrepreneurial community that offers mentoring and peer-to-peer support.听
老九品茶es from HOST 50 will be introduced to industry-leading partners including听TiE听UK North, Innovation Exchange and Counting King through round tables, workshops, seminars and meet the expert sessions. This will offer unrivalled access to specialists in all the areas they need to launch and grow sustainable businesses.听
The programme is open to applications from UK-based digital or tech businesses with less than 250 full-time employees, a turnover of less than 拢43 million or a balance sheet of less than 拢37 million with the ambition to grow, innovate and scale-up.听
Mo听Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, operators of HOST, said: 鈥淗OST 50 is for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs with a diverse community at the heart of the programme. We are offering entrepreneurs an alternative option for business support, by building a collaborative and inclusive innovation community where they can share opportunities, learnings and network.听
鈥淔rom my personal experience, I know how crucial it is for start-ups and SMEs to have the support they need. Not only will they be able to grow their networks with each other, but also with world-class experts who will help their businesses to scale and thrive.鈥�听
Gary Hilton, Head of R&D Consultancy at Counting King, said: 鈥淭he collaboration within the community is going to be immense and create opportunities to catapult your business to the next level. Our goal is to help nurture business ideas for start-ups and provide sound knowledge and proactive advice to growing companies by discussing funding opportunities.听
鈥淲e can genuinely relate to the types of businesses that will benefit from HOST 50. We are a growing company ourselves and constantly look for ways to innovate and improve our service and processes. Being surrounded by like-minded businesses who can share hints, tips and expertise will enable all of the community to grow faster and further than traditionally possible.鈥�听
For further information about applying for HOST 50, visit:听听