Spark Salford accelerator seeks ambitious SMEs to ignite growth and innovation

A new fully funded accelerator is launching to help SMEs in Salford unlock growth, adopt transformative technologies, and prepare for investment.

Spark Salford, delivered by the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH) and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Salford City Council, is seeking ambitious growth-stage SMEs that are ready to scale for its 12-week programme.

The accelerator is designed for companies that have been trading for at least two years, have market traction, and are looking to strengthen their business foundations while embracing digital tools and emerging technologies.

Covering Salford’s key growth sectors, including fashion, food and drink, consumer tech, retail, manufacturing, healthtech, proptech, edtech and professional services, the programme offers tailored support to help businesses expand their reach and resilience.

Participants will benefit from expert one-to-one mentoring, access to immersive tech labs, and practical workshops on areas such as AI and automation, alongside guidance on business strategy, sales and marketing, funding options and pitch coaching. Companies will also gain curated introductions to investors and funders. A cohort of up to 15 businesses will take part, fostering peer-to-peer learning and cross-sector collaboration.

The programme will extend its impact to the wider Salford business community through open events including cyber security awareness sessions, a Google Digital Garage workshop and sector-specific technology showcases. Selected SMEs will also have the opportunity to access match-funded financial support worth up to £2,500 to bring in specialist expertise and an optional co-working space in Salford.

Businesses interested in joining Spark Salford are invited to attend a breakfast recruitment event at HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, in MediaCity on 2 October to find out more about the programme. It will feature a panel of entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled their businesses through innovation and investment, alongside technology experts who will share insights on how digital tools can drive growth.

Attendees will meet delivery partners including Inventya, GC Angels and the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC), and have the chance to register their interest in joining the first cohort, which begins on 16 October.

Rodolphe Soulard, Spark Salford Programme Lead and Head of Enterprise and Investment at MITIH, said: “Spark Salford is about more than business support, it’s about creating the conditions for companies to grow sustainably. We’re bringing together expert mentoring, access to technology, and practical guidance so that local SMEs can turn ambition into measurable results. By combining solid business foundations with innovation, we’re helping Salford firms build resilience and seize new opportunities.”

Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Work & Skills and Business Support, said: “Spark Salford is about making sure our businesses and residents share in the opportunities of the digital economy. Too often, smaller firms are left behind when it comes to accessing the skills, technology and investment they need to compete. This holistic programme helps to level the playing field by giving Salford SMEs the chance to adopt new tools, grow with confidence, and play a bigger role in driving prosperity across our city and the wider Greater Manchester region.”

Companies interested in joining Spark Salford are encouraged to register for the launch event via Eventbrite, where they can also submit an expression of interest in the programme: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/are-you-spark-ready-tickets-1680386333759