NatWest is calling on Wales’ brightest entrepreneurs to apply to be a part of the next intake at its Entrepreneur Accelerator in Cardiff.

From fin-tech to food and fashion designers to apps, the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator has supported over 350 entrepreneurs since it opened its doors at Cardiff’s One Central Square in 2016.

In that time those businesses have created over 570 jobs, raised £8.2m in investment and generated a combined turnover of nearly £40m supported by the bank. They include Cardiff-based digital innovation pioneers Amplyfi who have grown to become an internationally recognised brand within their sector.

The programme is open to entrepreneurs of any age and at any stage of their business including those with high turnovers. Helping to start or scale and grow their business, the programme provides successful applicants with tailored coaching and support, access to multiple networks including funding, and office facilities at its Cardiff headquarters, all fully funded by NatWest and delivered by its industry-leading specialists.

The accelerator takes in two cohorts of 80 entrepreneurs each year – one in April and one in October. In its last intake more than 250 people applied to be a part of the programme.

Rony Seamons, Entrepreneur Acceleration Manager in Cardiff, said:

“We’re really excited to announce the opening of the application process for our October intake. The accelerator has helped hundreds of businesses achieve national and international success and we’re really keen on helping more businesses looking to reach significant turnovers achieve their goals. “Crucially, the businesses we support succeed with over 80% still operating after two years. The programme itself is fully funded and you don’t need to bank with NatWest to be able to apply. Our only goal is to help entrepreneurs wherever they are in Wales to succeed.”

Depending on what stage an entrepreneurs business is at, successful applicants will be offered a place on one of two programmes – the intensive, eight-week Pre-Acceleration for early stage start-ups, and the six month Acceleration programme for high growth businesses looking to scale up. Entrepreneurs can progress through this programme up to a maximum of three times, making 18 months in total.

The closing date for applicants is August 15 though NatWest is advising entrepreneurs to apply early.

For more information or to apply visit https://www.business.natwest.com/business/services/accelerator.html.