High Peak Accelerator

Introducing High Peak Accelerator

High Peak Accelerator is a fully funded business support project, designed to help businesses across the High Peak to start, sustain, grow and innovate through a range of different support.

The project is led by East Midlands Chamber and funded through a proportion of the High Peak Borough Council's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. The project, which runs until 31 March 2025, offers support to all businesses across the Borough, with added support for high-growth and scaling businesses looking to innovate.

What support can I access?

Working with an experienced business adviser, eligible businesses can access a range of support including:

• 1-2-1 advice, mentoring and diagnostic support on areas of relevance to your business.
• Training and workshops: providing you with the latest learning and tools in areas such as digital skills.
• Grant funding: helping you identify and apply for funding to help you grow, increase efficiencies and build a sustainable business for the future.
• Networking and peer support: for example, through East Midlands Manufacturing Network which has a dedicated Dales and Peak forum. 
• Energy saving and improvement audits providing you with a full asset register and an action plan on how to save costs.
• Growth vouchers: offering up to £2,000 (100% funded) for specialist consultancy and training (linked to the strategic plan developed with your business adviser. Available on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Help to Grow - Management course: £750 joining fee subsidy for this 12-week executive development leadership and management programme (together with the Government's 90% support, this covers 100% of the costs).

How do I sign up?

Tapping into the support on offer couldn't be easier.

If your business is based in the High Peak area, simply complete the Accelerator Expression of Interest Form to register your interest, and a Business Adviser will be in touch to learn more about your business and to explore what support is most appropriate for you.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides  funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.