Am I expected to attend every day for the duration of the Programme?

Although this Programme runs for 5 months, the time commitment is 2-3 hour seminars every Tuesday and Friday, 9.30am-11.30am.

Whilst this may seem like a massive time commitment, Acorns on the last Accelerator Programme have all asked that the seminars be extended to 3 hours from 2 so they can go into subjects in even more detail.

The time really does fly and although you are not “working in your business” during this time, it is time wisely invested in yourself to develop your business, building stronger foundations for a sustainable future.

We know that life can get in the way so we don't expect you to attend 100% of these seminars. However, if you miss too many seminars, you won't get the full value from the Programme and your place may be offered to another applicant.

Is the Programme really free?

Yes! There is NO COST to the businesses that participate and we don't take a share of your business.

However, we do ask at the beginning of the Programme for a deposit of £25 to cover key fobs/cards. These allow you access to use free 24/7 work space over the duration of the accelerator Programme.

Acorn Enterprise is on a MISSION to grow the UK's start-up culture and this is our way of giving back.

We fund the Programme by working with Colleges, Universities and other organisations who want to put entrepreneurship and innovation at the heart of what they do.

We do not receive any funding from the Council, the Government or Trusts.

What will I learn on the Accelerator Programme?

The Tuesday seminars consist of range of topics covering Marketing, Sales, Goals, Time Management and Law.

The seminars are held by ourselves, successful local entrepreneurs and businesses who are experts in their fields, some of who will have been in your position some time.

The Friday session is the Accountability group. Every week we will ask you to set goals that will allow to push your business forward.

It is down to you to make sure you achieve those goals, but as a group we will also give you a kick up the ass if need be!

How many places are there?

Typically, we only work with between 5-10 new business owners on each Accelerator Programme so that each "Acorn" (participant) can get the most value from it.

How many people tend to apply for a place?

As word grows about our Programme, we are continually over-subscribed so if you're thinking of applying, go for it!

What have previous participants said about the Programme?

We have successfully run 10 Business Accelerator Programmes over the last 5 years across Fife and Dundee and have helped more than 80 Acorns (new businesses).

Of those that graduated from the Programme, 70% are still growing and thriving!

Previous “Acorns” have said: “Acorn helped me find myself” and “Acorn gave me the kickstart to achieve my dream”, which makes us feel very proud of the impact we are having!

When will I hear if I have a place or not?

After you fill in the online application form, we will invite you to attend a selection interview.

As this is a competitive process, not everyone is offered an interview.

Should you succeed at the interview stage, you will be told that you have a place a few week's before the Programme starts.

Where is the Accelerator Programme based?

Up until this Programme, we have been based at Liberty Space in Rosyth and Kinross.

However, the last three Programmes have been based at our new home in the Flour Mill, Dundee!

Join the Waiting List here to be kept updated about the next Programme. Dates to be confirmed.