Apply now for Communications Accelerator Programme

The Communications Accelerator Programme will take the learnings and experiences from two decades of working with world-leading startups and pay it forward to the innovation of the future. The programme will commit 150 hours’ of communications services on a pro bono basis, to help young startups grow, with applications shortlisted in November and the final stages announced in December 2023. The programme begins in January 2024.

Whether it’s a challenger brand transforming its industry for the better; a startup putting people and the planet first, or a completely new product or service that solves a problem – the team will show the impact of PR and how it educates new audiences about technology they may have never used before.

Businesses must be operational with a product or service that is either in market or past MVP stage; at least at seed/series A funding stage and should have a clearly defined business and/or go-to-market plan. In exchange, the Cherish team will provide communications, PR and brand workshops, strategic advice, digital content planning or a launch strategy, depending on the needs of the business, to help grow a brand that is making change for good.

Eligibility Criteria

• Startups must be at or beyond their seed funding stage.
• Companies can apply from any global market looking to scale in the UK.
• Businesses must be operational with a product or service that is either in market or past minimum viable product stage and should have a clearly defined business and/or go-to-market plan.
• The accelerator will start in January 2024 and run for a period of 12 months to December 2024.
• Cherish will work with the company on a bespoke, case-by-case basis. Cherish cannot guarantee which service will be offered, it will be based on what will be most impactful for the company during the period and within the hours allocated.
• The objective of the programme is mentorship and consultancy advice. The accelerator cannot be exchanged for money. The brand will not be charged within the accelerator hours allocated and a share of the business will not be acquired unless agreed post the hours being utilised.
• Format, timing and level of support will be agreed between company and agency.
• The programme may run for a shorter period if the hours are used up for a campaign moment.
• The programme does not include third party costs such as paid media spend, print, production, video or photography.
• Cherish PR will allocate the most suitable consultant to work with the successful company and this is subject to change based on time, availability and skill set.
• Cherish PR has the right to use results of the work with the successful startup for PR and marketing purposes until December 2026.

For more information, visit Cherish PR.