Start-up and Small Business Accelerator Programmes - The Big Bang Partnership

Start-up and Small Business Accelerator Programmes

Business people smiling in a meeting

Accelerator Programmes for Startups, Scale-ups and Small businesses

We run impactful, focused accelerator programmes for startups, scale-ups and small businesses. They’re practical, high-energy, and designed to help founders and teams take the next step with confidence.

Whether your organisation supports early-stage companies, funds startup education, or works on regional or national economic development, our programmes are a solid choice. We help local businesses build traction, improve their business models, and move faster with fewer false starts.

Who Commissions Our Programmes

  • Universities and academic institutions supporting enterprise and knowledge exchange
  • Business growth hubs offering support for early-stage companies and SMEs
  • Local governments and councils investing in innovation and economic growth
  • Nonprofit organisations working with startups or small business owners

We are often commissioned by organisations such as the University of York or University of Lancaster to work with entrepreneurs and companies in their region, developing customised programmes for:

  • Founders and leadership teams of early-stage start-ups seeking to solidify their business model, innovate their offering, and accelerate market traction.
  • Owners and managers of established SMEs who want to rejuvenate their business growth by introducing new products, services or improvements.
  • Innovation or product leads in small companies tasked with driving growth and looking for structured support to generate and implement new ideas.

We’ve worked with literally hundreds of businesses in multiple sectors, including internationally, since we were established in 2010.

Who Our Accelerator Programmes Are For

  • Startup founders ready to move from good idea to investable business
  • Small businesses looking to scale or launch a new product
  • Innovation teams in early-stage companies
  • Local entrepreneurs needing structure and support

How They Work

We run programmes ranging from one-day events to 12-week sprints. Each is tailored to the group, location and outcomes you want to achieve.

Strategic Planning

We start with a business review to map out gaps and opportunities. This shapes the support for business development, customer acquisition and product-market fit.

Practical Workshops

Sessions include idea generation, product development, MVP testing, and growth planning. We focus on what will make the biggest difference to each business.

Market Validation

Participants speak to potential customers, test ideas quickly, and get clear on what people actually want. This avoids wasting time building the wrong thing.

Mentoring

We bring in experienced startup founders, industry experts, and angel investors to offer practical advice, not theory. Founders get real feedback and useful introductions.

Follow-Up Support

We offer ongoing support post-programme, helping participants stay on track and make the most of what they’ve learned.

Why Our Accelerator Programmes Work

  • Help startups and small businesses grow faster with fewer mistakes
  • Encourage innovation and fresh thinking in local economies
  • Support academic institutions in translating ideas into impact
  • De-risk public investment in new businesses by building stronger plans and teams

Results

  • Clear business plans and next steps
  • Better understanding of funding routes and potential investors
  • Stronger product ideas, backed by early customer feedback
  • Teams with more confidence and practical skills
  • Businesses that are more likely to succeed and grow

We’ve run these programmes for councils, universities and hubs across the UK. If you’re looking to support small business owners, startup companies or early-stage entrepreneurs, we can help.

Contact us for further information.