R17 Scale to £1m+ Programme
Applications for Cohort 2 are now closed, and successful applicants have been contacted.
Keep an eye out for the official Cohort 2 announcement coming later this week.
Supported by:
What is the Programme?
Scale to £1m+ is a cohort-based accelerator for founders based in Rochdale and the wider Greater Manchester area. The programme brings together ten selected businesses for a series of facilitated sessions led by the R17 Group and invited partners, drawing directly on lived experience rather than theory.
Across the programme, founders will explore the practical challenges that commonly limit early-stage growth, including positioning, pitching, visibility, operational focus and strategic decision-making. Sessions are shaped around the specific needs of the cohort, allowing tailored discussion, targeted workshops and peer-to-peer learning.
The programme is designed to build clarity, confidence and momentum, while creating meaningful relationships between founders, the R17 Group and the wider regional ecosystem.
Programme Features
01.
Practical Growth Insight
Founder-led sessions focused on real-world experience, decision-making and lessons learned, with clear, actionable takeaways.
02.
Small, Curated Cohort
A cohort of ten businesses, enabling meaningful discussion, tailored support and strong peer relationships.
In-Person Delivery
03.
All sessions delivered face to face, supporting deeper conversation, accountability and connection.
04.
Tailored Workshops
Workshops shaped by the cohort’s actual challenges, rather than a fixed curriculum.
05.
Visibility & Opportunity
Exposure to the R17 Group, regional partners and potential collaborators through launch and showcase events.
06.
Ongoing Connection
Continued access to shared resources, introductions and the wider R17 founder network beyond the formal programme.
FAQ's
How are the sessions structured?
The programme is designed around the needs of each cohort, which are identified through an early-stage diagnostic session.
From this, we tailor the content of each session to address the challenges and opportunities facing participating founders. Sessions combine guided support, practical advice and shared experiences from business owners across the R17 portfolio, alongside workshops delivered by local professionals and subject specialists.
Is the programme free?
Yes. The programme is fully funded, meaning there are no costs for founders selected to join the cohort.
Does my business need to be a certain size to apply?
Not necessarily. However, we believe the programme is most suited to businesses currently generating between £25,000 and £500,000 in annual revenue.
Is the programme a networking group?
No. The programme is designed primarily to support business growth through practical sessions and founder development.
That said, we recognise the importance of building strong networks, and we expect the cohort to develop meaningful relationships throughout the programme that continue beyond its completion.
Who the Programme is For
Founders of Start-up Businesses
No requirement to be already affiliated with the R17 Group.
Value Aligned
Businesses that care about building a better future.
Based Locally
Based in Rochdale or the surrounding Greater Manchester area.
Good Communicators
Open to sharing experiences and learning from others experiences.
Ready To Scale
Willing to commit time, energy and focus to implementing change.
Collaborative
Open to collaboration, feedback and honest discussion.
Future Pathways
Investment
For founders actively seeking investment, the programme concludes with the Cohort Close Showcase, where participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business to R17 investors and a wider regional investor network. This provides a clear route into further conversations around funding, strategic support and long-term partnership.
Organic Growth Support
For founders focused on growing organically, the programme offers continued access to the R17 network. This includes introductions to relevant contacts, invitations to future R17 events and the opportunity to stay connected for collaboration, support and potential opportunities as your business continues
to develop.
Scale to £1m+ Programme Structure
The programme structure is as follows:
Wednesday 16th September - Founder Introductions & Diagnostic Session
Wednesday 30th September – Session 2, TBC (based on cohort needs)
Wednesday 14th October – Session 3, TBC (based on cohort needs)
Wednesday 28th October – Session 4, TBC (based on cohort needs)
Wednesday 11th November – Session 5, TBC (based on cohort needs)
Friday 11th December - Cohort 2 Showcase
Cohort 1:
