Deadline Date: April 06, 2026
The GM Business Growth Hub is looking for Greater Manchester businesses with big potential to join this exciting programme, spread across five consecutive cohorts.
Spark to Scale is an intensive, high-energy support programme created specifically for ambitious founders and business owners who are ready to scale. It is aimed at high-potential businesses across Greater Manchester and will be delivered through five consecutive cohorts, bringing together driven entrepreneurs who are ready to unlock their next phase of growth.
Scaling a business can often feel isolating, but Spark to Scale ensures you are never on that journey alone. Participants gain access to specialist advisers, expert-led support, and a strong peer network that offers encouragement, challenge, and shared learning. Being part of the Spark to Scale community means learning alongside others who understand the realities of growth and are invested in your success.
Participants will also benefit from an exclusive offer provided by programme partner Bruntwood SciTech. Spark to Scale businesses can enjoy 15 percent off Pay As You Go coworking and meeting spaces across Greater Manchester, giving founders flexible and professional workspace solutions designed to support growing teams and evolving business needs.
Over six weeks, the programme focuses on the practical skills and strategic insight required to scale successfully. Sessions cover key areas that directly influence growth, including building a strong growth strategy, managing finances for scale-up, developing people and leadership capability, exploring international growth opportunities, and managing supply chains effectively as demand increases.
Spark to Scale combines specialist workshops, one-to-one advice, peer-to-peer learning, and ongoing community support. This blend ensures participants not only gain knowledge but also apply it directly to their businesses with guidance tailored to their individual challenges and ambitions.
To be eligible for Spark to Scale, businesses must have a trading address in Greater Manchester, employ at least two people, and generate a minimum annual revenue of £120,000. For founders ready to move beyond early success and scale with purpose, Spark to Scale offers the tools, support, and community to help make the next stage of growth a reality.
Spark to Scale cohorts are aligned to local authority areas, and applicants are asked to apply only for the cohort that matches their trading location. The Wigan, Bolton and Bury cohort has applications closing on Monday 5 January 2026, with the programme starting on Thursday 8 January 2026. The Trafford and Stockport cohort closes on Monday 16 February 2026 and begins on Thursday 19 February 2026. The Manchester and Salford cohort closes on Monday 6 April 2026 and starts on Thursday 9 April 2026.
For more information, visit GM Business Growth Hub.
