INCO Elevate UK
Elevating UK's
Early-Stage Founders
Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial skills to the next level?
INCO Elevate UK empowers early-stage founders across the UK with INCO's learning platform—combining flexible online modules, expert-led sessions, and a supportive community of fellow founders all scaling their businesses together.
Location
United Kingdom.
Successful candidates must be able to attend in-person events held in London and/or Manchester
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
10-weeks part time entrepreneurship program
Criteria
Founders of early-stage businesses, registered in the UK, under two years old, showing proof of traction through initial customers. Annual turnover less than £50k, with significant potential for growth.
Our Approach
We know your time is valuable. That’s why our program is designed to work around your schedule—with a flexible self-paced learning system you can tap into anytime, plus one-hour weekly online expert live peer sessions to collaborate, problem-solve, and stay connected.
Join a dynamic cohort of 40 entrepreneurs and fast-track your growth through speed mentoring, hands-on learning, and real-time support that fits your life. And when you're ready to dive deeper, we’ve got you covered.
Expert Sessions
Learn from seasoned professionals as they break down the business fundamentals every early-stage founder needs — from validating your idea to building a resilient model.
Mentoring and Community
Access an exclusive network of BNY experienced professionals and tap into the INCO alumni community — a vibrant space to share, connect, and grow with others who’ve walked the path.
Peer Learning & Shared Growth
Build alongside fellow founders — share wins, challenges, and lessons in a supportive environment designed for honest conversations and mutual support.
Why INCO?
INCO is a world-leading social enterprise creating a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy by supporting the workforce and business leaders of tomorrow.
We’ve worked in over 140 countries and supported over 8,000 businesses through our bespoke approach to coaching, mentoring, and community building.
What this means is, we’ve got your back!
“BNY have chosen to partner with INCO as they align with the third pillar of our philanthropic strategy – To Build a More Resilient Future. Aiming to do this through fostering innovation and building capacity of small businesses. INCO encompasses this pillar with their dedication to drive inclusive and sustainable growth for small businesses by encouraging underrepresented groups and promoting social innovation.”
Angie Joslin - INCO Executive Sponsor
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See what our participants share about their experiences
As a founder, knowing how to grow and develop your business is a full time job in itself. What do you focus on first? What’s going to drive the most value? These were all questions that I was struggling to navigate alongside client work.
It was a big relief then, to stumble upon the INCO Elevate UK programme, with its structured, 12-week curriculum exploring a range of crucial topics to help grow my business. The experience has been eye-opening and insightful - I’ve learnt so much that I can apply directly to my business, especially around how I position and market myself to the wider world.
All in all, this programme was exactly what I needed to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and take Make It Stick to the next level. A huge thank you INCO!
Charlotte Kendall
Founder, Make It Stick
INCO Elevate UK Cohort 1
See what our BNY mentors have to say about the rewarding journey of guiding others - real stories, real impact, real inspiration.
Oliver Bader
Managing Director, Enterprise Change Hub Lead
What motivated me to become a mentor for the Inco initiative was the opportunity to give back in a meaningful and impactful way.
INCO’s mission to support underrepresented talent aligns closely with my own values around equity, empowerment, and access. I was drawn to the initiative because it combines practical upskilling with personal support—an approach I believe is crucial for creating real, lasting opportunities. Being able to share my experiences, help others gain confidence, and witness their growth is incredibly rewarding.
My most memorable moment as a mentor for Quest360 was seeing the breakthrough in my mentee's confidence. We saw that it is not necessary to see the whole story, just take the first step and do this every single day and you will see progress. During the engagement Quest360 won an award and the final pitch from INCO. Seeing the success of my mentee made me extremely proud
Angie Joslin
Senior Director, Head of Business Management EMEA Markets
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to offer your expertise and guidance to underrepresented entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of growing their businesses. By helping them navigate their business challenges and achieve their goals, you will also be contributing to a more inclusive and diverse business environment. Your mentorship can make a significant impact by providing these entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
As Executive Sponsor of INCO I strongly encourage BNY colleagues and other professionals to get involved as mentors. By joining this initiative, you will not only be supporting the growth of the entrepreneurs but also enriching your own professional experience. Mentoring offers a chance to develop leadership skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful difference in the community!”
Michelle Davies
Director, CEO Office, Board and Legal Entity Governance
I've always valued the impact that great mentors had on my own career, and I was particularly interested in the dynamics of a relationship with an Entrepreneur, in particular how our experiences could be compared and help each other navigate our professional journeys.
Having understood some of the areas that my mentee was looking to navigate, I was able to leverage my network who were delighted to help and participate and share their experiences with my mentee. I hope that this has helped to build my mentees' network in turn to utilise for engagement in the future as needed.
It is a chance to give back and expands your perspective. Through mentoring, you get insight into the challenges and ambitions of colleagues and those in other organisations or stages of their careers. Knowing you can make a positive impact on someone else's journey brings a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Application Process
1
Quick Application
If you meet our criteria, complete the written application form before 15th August, 23:59 (GMT)
2
Shortlist & Video Call
We’ll review your application and invite shortlisted founders for a quick 10-minute chat to get to know you better.
3
Final Selection
After the call, we’ll confirm your spot and send you everything you need to get started.
FAQs
Thanks to our partners at BNY, this program is completely free. You’ll get direct access to their brilliant team during our speed mentoring afternoons. It’s your chance to connect, ask questions, and get real-world advice from their experts who genuinely care about seeing founders like you thrive.
The program runs over 10 weeks and is designed to be flexible around your schedule. You’ll set your own pace with our online learning materials, and join us for live online sessions—like peer discussions and expert-led events—designed to deepen your learning and keep you connected.
Yes, absolutely. The program is designed with busy entrepreneurs in mind, whether you're working on your company full-time or have other commitments. We provide a flexible schedule and advanced timetables to help you carve out time for the program around your existing responsibilities. In the application form, we’ll ask what time of day suits best for the online sessions so we can make the format work for as many of the participants as possible.
No, you don’t have to be full-time. But you will need to ensure that you have enough time to take part in the activities and workshops.
The deadline to apply is Friday 15th August 23:59 (GMT).
Yes, your business needs to be registered in the UK to join this program
(Or if you are a sole trader, you will need to provide proof of your UTR)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. You should hear back from us within a few weeks after the application submission.
Yes, as long as they’re co-founders with leadership roles and meet our overall criteria.
The program is mostly online, giving you the flexibility to learn and join live sessions from anywhere in the UK. However, all participants are expected to attend a speed mentoring afternoon in either London or Manchester to connect directly with mentors, exchange ideas with fellow founders, and walk away with insights you simply can’t get from behind a screen.