ACC INCUBATOR HUB APPLICATION PROCESS FOR AFRICAN HERITAGE BUSINESSES DELIVERED IN COLLABORATION WITH EMPOWER BIZ

BACKGROUND:

There is a wide range of business incubators in the UK catering to startups and more developed companies across a variety of sectors, with the majority focussing on early to mid-stage companies. Typically, incubators will be either private or government / University operated. Private Incubators charge rent for office space, ranging from £200 to £1,000 per month, depending on location and amenities. Government or University-Operated Incubators, often subsidized and sometimes free, usually require application and acceptance into their programs.

The African Caribbean Centre (‘ACC’) Business Hub is a first of kind for Leicester and has been developed through capital funds received through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  Launched in February this year, this application process is for businesses wishing to apply to join one of our Incubator Business Cohorts, to be delivered over the coming year.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Please see process chart at Appendix A which depicts our Incubator Hub journey. To apply, businesses must be existing Empower Biz participants. The target group is African heritage businesses falling into one of the ‘eligibility criteria’ categories below:

• Startup incubators – For businesses starting, in an early stage or who have yet to set up. (In business for less than 5 years).
• Business incubators – For businesses at any stage from early to mid, looking to scale up or take business to another level/new direction and require support to do this. (In business for 5 years +).

HOW WILL IT WORK?

The process in Appendix A will be repeated for subsequent cohorts over the year. Successful Cohort 1 businesses incubators will be able to access the hub following an induction briefing with Empower Biz Advisors to formally confirm sign up to the programme. As indicated in Appendix A, we anticipate this will be from week beginning 5^th May.

Incubator hub support will be for a period of 3-months, during which time you will receive tailored and bespoke support through Empower Biz Advisors. Details will be confirmed at your induction meeting and informed by your application. Business Advisors will monitor your progress against desired outcomes, to feed into your ‘Case Study Testimonial’ which is all that we ask of you for participating.   On your first day working in the hub, you will receive an induction tour of the hub and wider ACC building, so you know your way around and understand key health & safety and wider building related requirements.

You will also receive a fob on loan to access the hub during your cohort period. Please note that this is for your personal use only and not to be shared or given to anyone else under any circumstances.  Failure to adhere to this requirement could jeopardise your personal incubation tenancy period. There is also a £12.00 (refundable) deposit in case of loss of, which will need to be paid upfront, with the deposit retained until returned.  You can still access the hub after your Cohort ends as a regular hub user.  We hope that you will stay connected to share your success with others!

For any queries and to submit your completed form, please email: info@empowerbiz.org.uk.  (Due by Midnight on 30/04/2025).

Apply Here