{"id":2044,"date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accelerate-the-funding-for-your-start-up\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T14:46:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:46:39","slug":"accelerate-the-funding-for-your-start-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accelerate-the-funding-for-your-start-up\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you apply for a\u00a0startup\u00a0accelerator\u00a0programme?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/trends-insights\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Trends &amp; Insights<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do you apply for a\u00a0startup\u00a0accelerator\u00a0programme?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTo apply for an accelerator programme, you typically need to submit a written application, a pitch deck, and financial projections. Programmes then shortlist candidates for a live pitch before making their final selection. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-01T00:00:00+01:00\">1 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How do you apply for a\u00a0startup\u00a0accelerator\u00a0programme?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accelerate-the-funding-for-your-start-up\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/octavia-goredema\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/octavia-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/octavia-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/octavia.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Octavia Goredema<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"lead-para\">Applying for an accelerator&nbsp;programme&nbsp;is one of the most competitive steps an early-stage founder can take,&nbsp;but for the right business, it can be transformative. To give yourself the best chance, you need to choose the right&nbsp;programme&nbsp;for your goals, meet the eligibility criteria honestly, and put together a pitch that clearly communicates your opportunity and growth potential.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success starts with a clear understanding of how accelerator programmes work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-nbsp-accelerator-nbsp-programme\">What is an&nbsp;accelerator&nbsp;programme?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-what-is-an-nbsp-accelerator-nbsp-programme-nbsp\">An&nbsp;accelerator&nbsp;programme&nbsp;is a fixed-term&nbsp;scheme,&nbsp;typically lasting&nbsp;three to six months, that&nbsp;gives early-stage businesses funding, mentorship, office space, and access to investor networks in exchange for a small equity stake, usually between two and&nbsp;10&nbsp;percent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-what-is-an-nbsp-accelerator-nbsp-programme-nbsp\">Accelerators are highly competitive and are&nbsp;most commonly aimed&nbsp;at tech startups, though&nbsp;programmes&nbsp;exist across a range of sectors. In the UK, well-known options include&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.seedcamp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seedcamp<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ignitecomp.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ignite,<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinef.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Entrepreneurs&nbsp;First<\/a>.&nbsp;Globally,&nbsp;programmes&nbsp;such as US-based&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/masschallenge.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MassChallenge<\/a>&nbsp;accept applicants from around the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-choose-the-right-accelerator-nbsp-programme-nbsp-for-your-goals\">How do you choose the right accelerator&nbsp;programme&nbsp;for your goals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right accelerator should align with your niche, support your funding needs, and fit your&nbsp;exit strategy. Before applying, ask yourself:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does the accelerator&#8217;s&nbsp;programme&nbsp;and network align with your sector?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do the funding parameters support your immediate goals?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does the&nbsp;programme&nbsp;enable your longer-term vision?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-meeting-nbsp-the-criteria-for-an-accelerator-nbsp-programme\">Meeting&nbsp;the criteria for an accelerator&nbsp;programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be a strong candidate, you need to understand each programme\u2019s eligibility criteria and assess honestly whether your business meets them.&nbsp;Most accelerators look for a clear problem\u2013solution fit, early traction, and a committed founding team.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be&nbsp;objective about&nbsp;your&nbsp;fit, and&nbsp;make sure&nbsp;everyone on your team is fully on board.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Timing matters, too.&nbsp;Your time is your most valuable resource, so if&nbsp;the timeline for the application process&nbsp;or the&nbsp;programme&nbsp;itself&nbsp;does not work for your business right now, it is worth waiting until it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-assess-an-accelerator-nbsp-programme-s-nbsp-track-record\">How do you assess an accelerator&nbsp;programme&#8217;s&nbsp;track record?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research the progress of&nbsp;an&nbsp;accelerator&#8217;s&nbsp;alumni before you apply&nbsp;to get an idea of its&nbsp;track record. If you can, speak directly to people who have taken part and ask what they would do differently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firsthand accounts are invaluable, but keep in mind that every experience is unique. There are no guarantees your business will follow the same trajectory as others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-put-together-a-strong-accelerator-pitch\">How do you put together a strong accelerator pitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong accelerator pitch clearly explains three things: the problem&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;solving, your solution, and why your business has the potential to grow quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by structuring your pitch around&nbsp;your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business idea<\/a>, the size of the opportunity, your progress so far, your team\u2019s capability, and what you need from the accelerator. Keep it focused;&nbsp;avoid unnecessary detail.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your content is in place, turn it into a simple, well-structured presentation that can be delivered clearly within the time limit.&nbsp;Then,&nbsp;practise delivering it until it sounds natural and you feel confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-you-do-if-your-accelerator-application-does-not-lead-to-funding\">What should you do if your accelerator application does not lead to funding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your accelerator application does not result in funding, treat it as one step in a longer fundraising process rather than a setback.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even a successful accelerator application does not always result in&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/startups-secure-investment-become-unicorns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">funding<\/a>&nbsp;offer,&nbsp;and&nbsp;even if you are accepted,&nbsp;you may decide an opportunity is not right for your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not selected, ask for feedback when possible and use it to strengthen future applications. You can also refine your pitch and apply to other programmes, as many founders succeed on a later attempt.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not you pursue an accelerator, the application process itself can help clarify your business model, sharpen your pitch, and highlight gaps in your growth strategy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many founders, that clarity is the real value, helping them decide whether to apply, pivot, or focus on alternative&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/9-funding-options-for-start-ups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">funding routes<\/a>&nbsp;that better suit their stage of growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have that clarity, the next step is often&nbsp;to get&nbsp;a firmer handle on your numbers. Understanding your&nbsp;cash flow, costs, and runway can help you turn that insight into a more confident funding plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-about-accelerator-programmes\">Frequently asked questions about accelerator programmes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777648286152\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take to get accepted into an accelerator programme?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most accelerator application processes take between four and 12 weeks, depending on the programme. This usually includes\u00a0an initial\u00a0application review, interviews, and a final pitch stage.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777648297721\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do you need a fully developed product to apply for an accelerator?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not always. Many accelerators accept early-stage startups with just a prototype,\u00a0as long as\u00a0there is\u00a0clear evidence\u00a0of problem\u2013solution fit and\u00a0strong growth\u00a0potential.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777648312536\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can solo founders apply for accelerator programmes?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some accelerators accept solo founders, but many prefer teams. A co-founding team is often seen as a stronger indicator of execution capability and scalability.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777648324353\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do all accelerator programmes take equity in your business?\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most\u00a0accelerators do take a stake in your business, typically in exchange for funding, mentorship, and resources. However, some programmes offer non-dilutive support such as grants or sponsorship.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777648336962\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you apply to multiple accelerator programmes at the same time?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Many founders apply to several programmes simultaneously to improve their chances, but you should be sure to tailor each application to the specific accelerator.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/create-business-plan\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCreating a business plan\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/grow-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to grow your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/start-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-3675 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business tag-peter-jones-ambition business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Identifying useful growth opportunities will help your business to thrive\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T17:13:40+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/identify-useful-growth-opportunities\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to identify useful growth opportunities for your business\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWant to grow your business? From market penetration to diversification, here are four proven growth strategies\u2014and how AI, the right data, and the right team help turn ideas into results.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-1545 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/10-steps-to-grow-your-customer-base\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T16:41:53+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\t10 steps to grow your customer base\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-1543 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-continuity tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-start-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" 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May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is sales order management: How to optimise sales order processing\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To apply for an accelerator programme, you typically need to submit a written application, a pitch deck, and financial projections. Programmes then shortlist candidates for a live pitch before making their final selection. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":262,"featured_media":1819,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,6,114],"tags":[13,15,12],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[109],"coauthors":[446],"class_list":["post-2044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-money-matters","category-trends-insights","tag-create-business-plan","tag-grow-business","tag-start-business","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Octavia Goredema","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9648.jpg","imagine_tags":{"109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/262"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2044"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30030,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions\/30030"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/1819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=2044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}