Forward Programme

FORWARD

We are on a mission to find the best entrepreneurs and startups from across to the world to join our FORWARD Accelerator programme.

FORWARD is a 6 month global accelerator programme, based in the UK, designed to provide essential support to high growth startups and scaleups. The programme is broken into 6 elements with each one being designed to help strengthen the understanding of your business and put in place what you need to deal with the challenges of rapid growth.

By combining best practice with bespoke elements, expert advice and access to an active community of upcoming and established entrepreneurs, we are able to ensure that, with your commitment and engagement, you take away the skills, knowledge and connections you need to scale up your business.

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Application for FORWARD F3 are Now Open to Join Our 2021 F3 Cohort

We have put together a package of resources specifically for high growth startups & scaleups that will be offered to you as part of the programme.

Initiation

Wellbeing

Working Lean

Storytelling

Growth

The Future

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Mentoring

Get matched with an experience mentor providing you with someone to provide an independent perspective and advice to help you work through decisions.

Co-Working Space

Work at Alpha Works alongside like-minded people, providing you with a dynamic and inspiring environment to inspire your progress.

Inclusive Community

Entrepreneurship is for all. Regardless of who you are, we are here to support you.

Events & Networking

Hear new ideas,expand your network and stay in touch with what’s going on through our range of events.

Virtual Resources

Access a range of virtual materials to teach you the things you need to know – powered by IBM, Google and Amazon.

1 to 1 Coaching

Weekly coaching sessions with your dedicated coach, helping to keep you on track and move in the right direction.

Trainings & Workshops

Develop the skills & knowledge you need to take your startup forward through our workshops on a variety of topics.

Funding Opportunities

Access the funding you need to grow.

Recognitions

1. Application Run

Application for FORWARD F3 are now open. apply now to join our 2021 F3 cohort

3. Initiation

FORWARD will start with an initiation week where you will begin to learn about what will be expected of you throughout the programme as well as beginning to set goals and targets to track your performance over the 6 months.

5. Working Lean, Storytelling & Growth Essentials

Throughout the programme you will gain the skills and knowledge you require to enable rapid growth and deal with the challenges that come with running a high growth business. From how to use lean methodology to maximise resource output, building a solid growth marketing plan that is fitting with your story to knowing the key metrics you need to track and more.

7. Demo Day

Your graduation from FORWARD. This will be your chance to pitch your business in front of potential investors or organisations that can support you in the next part of your journey.

2. Pitch Interviews

Successful applicants will be asked to pitch for their spot on FORWARD in front of our panel. Full details of which will be sent out with the pitch invite. We will then send out an offer to join the programme to those selected to be part of the Cohort.

4. Wellbeing

Early in the programme we will begin to look at how you can build an entrepreneurial mindset and become resilient as a person. Taking on growing a business is not easy so it is important that you learn how to monitor and look after your own health and wellbeing. After being introduced this will continue through the programme.

6. The Future

In this part of the programme we begin to prepare you for life after FORWARD. We will help you plan on the next steps you need to take, show you where you can find support in the future and look at your funding requirements – preparing you to become investment ready.

8. From Forward to Onward

The programme may be 6 months long but your relationship with FORWARD & BEC remains after you have completed the programme. From Alumni events, masterclasses and funding opportunities to special offers from our partners we want to ensure that we are always there to support you wherever you go.

Ready To Start The Next Stage of Your Journey?

Apply now

Application for FORWARD F3 now open to join 2021 cohort. We have also put together some information to help with your application which can be found here. if you have any questions please get in touch. T&C

FORWARD Programme fees: £5K +VAT *

*Bootstrapping a business is a challenge.BEC loves to work with successful companies. You and your fellow founders might not have the cash available to allow you to afford the right level of advice to move towards scale at the pace you want to move at. This is why we have built a system, if you qualify for the Forward Accelerator, but can’t afford the fee, we are willing to work on a percentage of ownership in exchange for our proven engagement with your company. We believe that every owner needs to be in control of their own destiny.

Our ownership model will leave you with the leverage and tools you need to move to your next level powered and supported by BEC. See if you would qualify for the program and possibly equity engagement. Terms & Conditions

“I cannot overstress how important entrepreneurship is to the future of this region and if you are thinking of setting a business up this is simply the only place to do it!”

Andy Street

Mayor of West Midland

Honoured to have been selected for the female founder scholarship on the BEC Startup Sprint! […] The mentoring sessions were so insightful and have helped us tackle the important questions we have as a startup during this unprecedented time.

Dina Bahrami

Founder of Nutri Beauties

When applying, I questioned how relevant it would be for me as an artist […] but it turns out is super relevant and so, so valuable. It’s really enabled me to shift my perspective to seeing my art as a business and I now have a clear path of how I’m going to make those steps in getting there.

Imogen Morris

Imogen Embroidery Art

BEC has been like no other, the support, advice, and hospitality exceeded our expectiations. The accessibility of so may resoources right at your fingertips with the way BEC operates creates a truly unique experience. BEC helps you delve deep into your business & take action so that you can get the results you want.”

Danielle Roberts

Founder of Unlimited You

FORWARD will provide an Innovative platform to foster innovation, collaboration and increased opportunities for early-stage ventures that with to take their business to the next level”

Holly Knower

CEO NACUE

I did this programme at the start of lockdown when due to theatre closures, I lost 90% of my business. Thankfully, that has been recovered in part due to the mindset change the programme helped me with. cc funders Innovate UK”

Hannah Elsy

CEO & Founder of Hannah Elsy Production

Birmingham Enterprise Community’s FORWARD accelerator programme is exactly what our region needs. Birmingham is the major youngest city ion Europe, with under 25s accounting for nearly 40% of the population, so this is fantastic initiative to help fresh, young minds to succeed in business and entrepreneurship.”

Naomi Watts

Tech Nation