If you are the next best thing in business or an international entrepreneur in the making, the 10 and 20-week business Accelerator Programmes by Elevator may be just the thing you need to test, research, develop, launch and refine your product or service-led business, becoming pitch and investor ready.

Elevator now opens applications for the second cohort of their 20-week programme along with launching a further 10-week Programme specifically for businesses who want to improve their business offering and growth potential at an accelerated rate. Entry and participation of Elevator’s Accelerator Programmes are free of charge.

Building on the success of the first 20-week intensive Accelerator Programme, which shaped 12 ambitious entrepreneur-led businesses with entrepreneurial discipline, mentoring and business advice, Elevator are looking for 25 entrepreneur-led businesses to populate their Accelerator in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Elevator’s Accelerator Programmes work by supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in a world-class centre for entrepreneurship in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Business Founders work with the Elevator Team, sector specific business mentors, experienced entrepreneurs and are provided with a wealth of resources to mould their businesses into a successful, market and growth-ready operation, whether expanding into new markets or internationally.

Applications to participate in the next programme open today (Monday the 11th of January) via the Elevator website at www.elevatoruk.com and will close at 5 pm on Monday 1st February 2016. Cohort 2 of Accelerator Founders will start their Programme on Monday 22nd of February.

Owners of ambitious, early stage businesses are welcome to apply for the programme if they have a business with high growth potential. The programme covers different entrepreneurial themes each week including business models, goal setting, identifying new markets and opportunities, vision, mission and values, customer relationships, company culture, team dynamics, cash-flow, intellectual property, pitching, scale and growth and exit strategy. Founders are based within a world-class centre for entrepreneurship, surrounded by cutting edge technology, seeped with an entrepreneurial spirit and continual networking opportunities.

Experienced entrepreneurs present to participants in weekly sessions and mentors are appointed to each business owner. Business Founders taking part will tap into Business Gateway, Elevator and Scottish Enterprise resources within the centre along with the strong ties with local private and public sector organisations supporting all activities.

Professor Gary McEwan, CEO of Elevator said: ‘This is a unique opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs leading businesses with outstanding growth potential in Scotland and beyond to realise their potential and increase their impact on the global marketplace. Our first cohort represented a range of business disciplines including energy, technology, property, and health care. We saw a significant improvement of best business practice, opportunities realised and investments pitched for by the 12 founders who joined us for an intense 20 weeks. The team at Elevator are extremely excited about the next wave joining us – ultimately, there is no other experience like this in Scotland; the journey, the outcome and the benefits will be different for each Founder and the economic benefits for the country are notable.’

John Turnbull, Founder of Vistem, said about his participation in Cohort 1 of the Elevator Accelerator Programme:

‘The Accelerator Programme run by Elevator has been transformational for Vistem. Not only did Vistem’s business offerings mature but I developed my entrepreneurial skills, learning from some inspiring, successful people. The environment is world-class. The camaraderie between the Elevator Team and the other Founders on the programme was superb. I got a tremendous buzz from discussing, developing and pitching our business. If you are serious about success, I highly recommend the Accelerator programme at Elevator”.