Scale to £1m+

R17 Scale to £1m+ Programme

2026 Applications are now closed.

Further updates on Cohort 1 of the R17 Scale to £1m+ Programme will be shared soon.

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 six 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 six 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.

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.

Programme Structure

Please note that to apply for the programme you must be able to attend all the dates listed below.

Applications Open

Applications open - 22nd December 2025

Application deadline - 16th January 2026

Cohort Partners Selected - 20th January 2026

Cohort Acceptance Announcement - 21st January 2026

Cohort Launch Event

24th January 2026 | 12:00 - 17:00 | Crown Oil Stadium

Hosted at Crown Oil Stadium, Rochdale AFC, as part of R17’s sponsorship of the first game following major remedial works. Cohort partners will be invited alongside local stakeholders, partners and public sector representatives to mark the start of the programme and celebrate ongoing investment in the Rochdale community.

Founder Introductions & Business Overview

29th January 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Ebor Street

Each business will deliver a short lightning pitch, followed by questions and discussion. This session is focused on understanding each company’s model, ambitions and the key blockers currently limiting growth.

Workshop Session 1 – Challenge Identification

11th February 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Ebor Street

The first tailored workshop session, designed around the shared and individual challenges identified in Meeting 1. This may include focused support in areas such as marketing, pitching, messaging or commercial clarity.

Workshop Session 2 – Breaking Constraints

25th February 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Ebor Street

A second tailored workshop session, continuing to address priority growth constraints and building practical next steps founders can implement immediately.

Workshop Session 3 – Feedback & Progress Session

11th March 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Ebor Street

Cohort partners will share progress, discuss what has been implemented so far, and outline updated plans for the next phase of growth.

Workshop Session 4 – Pitch Deck Discussion

25th March 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | 1 Ebor Street

Founders will present refined pitch decks in preparation for the closing showcase and future external pitching opportunities.

Cohort 1 Showcase Event

3rd April 2026 | 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Ebor Street

Hosted at Ebor Street, this closing event will showcase each business through short pitches and informal presentations. Local businesses, partners and potential investors will be invited, creating opportunities for collaboration, follow-on conversations and future investment.