Supported by The Co‑operative Bank
UnFound Accelerator – application guidance
Jump to table of contents

Programme structure

The UnFound Accelerator will lead a cohort of 6-12 teams through an intensive 10-week business development programme followed by tailored one-to-one support. 

The main programme

The main programme will run from 26 April to 28 June 2023 and will consist of:

  • 10 full day Masterclasses, held online every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm (with breaks).
  • Exercises to be completed independently by teams in between the weekly sessions, which should take teams between 2-4 hours to complete

Optional activities

During the year teams will also be offered the following optional activities:

  • 9 hours of one-to-one per team with up to three different experts on specific topics or other platform co-op founders
  • Fortnightly check-ins: A regular call with the UnFound programme manager to discuss the team's specific challenges and provide guidance

The pitch event

Teams that successfully complete the Masterclasses will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea at an online public event on 11 July 2023 (TBC)  attended by potential investors, representatives from leading co-operatives and industry experts. Read about the 2022 pitch event.

Teams may use the pitch to request specific support, and the audience will be given the opportunity to respond to their requests, with funds, resources or support in kind.  

The Co-operative Bank has contributed £10,000 towards a prize fund that will be allocated to the teams based on the vote of the audience.

Aftercare

All teams can access free business banking from The Co-operative Bank.

The best performing teams will be awarded an aftercare package composed of:

  • Free registration fee for co-ops that incorporate within the calendar year
  • A case-study page on Co-operatives UK’s website
  • Visibility through Co-operatives UK’s media channels

Your commitment

  • A minimum of one member from each participating team must be able to attend each Masterclass
  • There is no fee to participate in the UnFound Accelerator however, participating teams will be required to have the appropriate equipment and set-up to participate (a computer with a functioning microphone and camera and an internet connection)