Welcome to the ASCEND Scale Up Programme, a 6-month cohort-based flagship personal development journey by GM Business Growth Hub, designed to support leaders of Greater Manchester's high growth opportunity businesses to scale up rapidly and achieve their ambitions
What sets ASCEND apart is our commitment and support to the fundamentals of scaling businesses. Through a meticulously planned blend of workshops, personalised guidance from expert Business Advisors, immersive visits, and invaluable peer-to-peer networking opportunities, ASCEND equips participants with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of growth. We’ll invest alongside you in your personal development as a high calibre leader, and work with you to develop a bespoke Growth Plan tailored to your unique aspirations and challenges.
Join ASCEND and unlock the full spectrum of support and resources available within Greater Manchester's vibrant business ecosystem. Express your interest now in the application process to secure your place on this elite programme and embark on a journey of personal development and accelerated business growth.
About the programme
Workshops, experiential / visits, and peer-to-peer networking activities will focus on the following scale up fundamentals:
Leadership and mindset
Empower business leaders to unleash their full potential by cultivating a growth mindset, honing leadership skills, and fostering emotional intelligence.
Strategy and Culture for Success
Delve into the strategic frameworks and cultural dynamics that underpin sustainable growth.
Funding and Finance
Gain invaluable insights into securing funding and optimising financial strategies to fuel expansion.
Talent, Skills, and High Growth Teams
Learn how to attract, nurture, and retain top talent essential for driving growth.
Operational Efficiency, Systems, and Processes
Streamline operations, implement efficient systems, and optimise processes to maximise productivity and scalability.
Sales and Marketing
Master the art of market penetration, customer acquisition, and brand positioning to drive revenue growth.
As part of the ASCEND Scale Up Programme, our partner KPMG will lead a "Strategy to Action" day, focusing on translating strategic vision into actionable plans and fostering a culture of success. Participants will gain insights into strategy frameworks, strategic options assessment, and overcoming challenges in setting growth strategies. They'll also learn techniques to cultivate a culture for success within their teams, empowering them to drive tangible results and innovation.
Timeline
ASCEND Scale Up is a 6-month programme from September 2024 to March 2025
The first ASCEND Scale Up cohort comprising 25 ambitious businesses poised for exponential growth.
Eligibility Criteria
- You are a Greater Manchester business owner of any sizes and sector.
- You can demonstrate a clear vision and potential to scale rapidly in the year ahead.
- You are ready to commit to the 6-month (part-time) in-person programme in Manchester to take your business to the next level.
- You are a visionary leader committed to seizing the opportunities that ASCEND offers.
FAQs
The ASCEND Scale Up Programme is a flagship initiative by GM Business Growth Hub designed to assist ambitious businesses in Greater Manchester with scaling up their operations. It offers a blend of workshops, personalised guidance, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to the needs of scaling businesses.
The programme is open to leaders from businesses of any size and sector located in Greater Manchester, demonstrating the potential for rapid growth in the year ahead. Applicants should be primary owners or decision-makers within their organisations, with a clear rationale for participating in the programme.
The programme runs for a period of six months, from September 2024 to March 2025, providing participants with ample time to implement strategies and insights gained during the programme.
The programme includes workshops focusing on fundamental aspects of scaling, leadership development, personalised guidance from Business Advisors, experiential visits, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and access to resources within the Greater Manchester business ecosystem.
The cohort consists of 25 businesses, ensuring a conducive environment for meaningful interactions, collaboration, and peer learning.
Participants receive specialised support from Business Advisors to develop and execute their Growth Plans, encompassing areas such as personal development, businss strategy, finance, talent management, operations, and marketing.
Business leaders are selected through an application and interview process, with emphasis placed on their vision, potential for growth, and commitment to leveraging the opportunities provided by the programme.
The time commitment required will vary from week to week, as we will tailor the programme to your needs. Cohort sessions will run every 3-4 weeks, plus meetings with your personal Business Advisor and your own focus time.
There is ongoing support after completing the programme. Participants have access to an Alumni Network, providing opportunities for continued engagement, learning, and collaboration beyond the duration of the programme.
Interested business leaders should fill out the expression of interest form available on the GM Business Growth Hub website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess their suitability for the programme.
Expression of Interest
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
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