Tech accelerator Exchange is calling for ambitious scaleups to apply for its new Growth programme, designed exclusively to helping established digital and creative businesses accelerate their next phase of growth.
The call-out comes as the programme expands into Campfield, Manchester鈥檚 new 130,000 sq ft megacampus, developed by Allied London and operated by Department, which officially launches on June 25th.
The Growth programme is the only digital and creative accelerator for scale-ready businesses in the city and will focus specifically on scale-ready companies that have a proven market presence.
The Growth programme marks a significant evolution for Exchange, with the Campfield campus and the Exchange playing a central role in the council鈥檚 Culture in the City initiative, which is backed by UK Government.
This collaboration highlights Exchange鈥檚 vital role in supporting creative and digital innovation across Manchester.
The unique accelerator will focus on supporting businesses who want to scale operations, increase revenue and secure growth capital.
Successful applicants will have an existing business that meets the following criteria:
- Operating businesses beyond the idea or pre-revenue stage
- Consistent revenue generation over the past 6-12 months
- A core team with at least five employees, showcasing the capacity to execute growth strategies
- Clear growth roadmap and defined strategies for scaling operations or expanding into new markets
- 老九品茶es currently operating or planning to expand within the greater Manchester area
- Potential for meaningful economic, social, or environmental impact
The launch of the Growth programme coincides with the launch of Exchange鈥檚 hugely successful Startup programme鈥檚 10th cohort, a tech accelerator focused on early-stage companies seeking product market fit, initial revenue generation and investor readiness.
Since 2020, the programme has supported over 200 businesses and 1,000 individuals.
Together, they鈥檝e secured over 拢15m in funding and raised a further 拢78m globally.
Exchange will be the anchor tenant of the Campfield megacampus, a major innovation hub within St. John鈥檚, a growing district known for creativity, culture and tech.
In the last five years, Exchange companies have created more than 1,300 jobs, already surpassing half of its original 15-year target.
With the move to Campfield,聽Exchange Growth鈥檚 mission is to create 1,600 new jobs and sustain 2,400. Campfield will open its doors on Wednesday 25 June with a full day of industry events, innovation panels, inspiring speakers and free coworking, as well as an 鈥楨xchange Programme Overview鈥� for prospective candidates.
For more information and to sign up, 聽visit
Rich Jones, head of Exchange, said: 鈥淭his is more than a milestone; it鈥檚 a signal to the world that Manchester is a place where great businesses don鈥檛 just start – they scale. As we announce a call out for our first Growth programme and celebrate our 10th Startup programme, it reinforces that we鈥檙e creating an environment that turns ambition into impact.鈥�
Tanya Grady, commercial firector at Allied London, said: 鈥淭his is a first-of-its-kind initiative for the North, designed to fill a vital gap in support for digital and creative businesses at the scaling stage.
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鈥淏y running both the Growth and Startup programmes in tandem, we鈥檙e creating a powerful, collaborative ecosystem where businesses at every stage can thrive.
鈥淭he partnership with Campfield is key 鈥� every Campfield membership will includes access to Exchange鈥檚 dynamic business support ecosystem, ensuring an engaged, community-driven space that accelerates growth.鈥�
Michael Ingall, CEO of Allied London, said: 鈥淢anchester has always been a city of firsts. With Exchange, we鈥檙e putting our foot on the accelerator, creating a home for the most exciting, impact-led tech and creative businesses in the UK and beyond.鈥�
Applications for the Growth programme are now open. Apply to be part of Manchester鈥檚 next wave of innovators.