Your Entrepreneurial Journey Starts Here
Completing your application is just the first step on your Converge journey. If successful, you’ll be part of a dynamic cohort of like-minded individuals all focused on turning their bright business idea into a valuable proposition and a successful company.
Some of the highlights along the way include bespoke business training, live pitching and the chance to meet and learn from our network of professional partners.
APRIL
Application Deadline
Make sure you submit your application by 12 noon on Wednesday 29 March. Need help with your application? Our Enterprise team hosts regular workshops on key aspects of business creation, or you can reach out to them for bespoke advice.
MAY & JUNE
Business Training & Pitch Coaching
Many of our alumni tell us that one of the most valuable parts of their Converge experience is our money-can’t-buy business training programme.
Delivered by EBS, training experts with real-world experience of starting and growing companies, the course includes a combination of on-demand modules and in-person and online training.
Everyone in our advanced categories (Converge, Create Change and Net Zero) also receives professional pitch coaching to help articulate their business ideas with confidence.
MAY & JUNE
Masterclasses & Pitching Competitions
Once you’ve finished your training, you’ll be invited to a full day of face-to-face masterclasses with our network of professional partners – experts across a number of fields including IP, legal, accounting, product design, HR and more. Masterclasses take place on 7 June for KickStart and 15 June for all other cohorts.
If you’re in one of our advanced cohorts, you’ll also be invited to pitch live to an audience of investors and business influencers at our Innovation Showcase pitching event on 14 June.
AUGUST
Business Plan & 1-Minute Video Pitch Submission
It’s now time to send us your business plan. Everyone in our advanced categories should submit an 8-page business plan, financial forecast and 1-minute video pitch. For KickStart we need a 5-page business case and 1-minute video pitch. Make sure you get this to us by noon on Monday 1 August at the latest.
If you’re eligible, August is also the time to apply for one of our Special Awards. Sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Cisco, IBioIC and CENSIS each prize includes equity-free cash and a package of business benefits.
SEPTEMBER
Further Training
If you’ve been shortlisted, we’ll let you know in early September and invite you to take part in a special finalist photoshoot! Everyone in our advanced categories will also be invited to attend further training.
SEPTEMBER
Live Pitching to Judging Panel
If you’re a finalist in one of our advanced categories, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice by pitching your idea live to our panel of external judges. It’s then onto our Awards on 5 October with all finalists invited to attend.
NOVEMBER
Awards event
Congratulations if you’ve made it this far! You’re now in the running to win a game-changing prize package that includes equity-free cash and in-kind business support from our network of professional partners. Good luck!
NOVEMBER AND BEYOND...
Alumni support
Dedicated events, workshops, access to the Converge Enterprise team and opportunities to get involved in future activities and publicity.
Are you ready for the challenge?
Ready to take the leap? Now you need to decide with challenge is right for you.