INCO Elevate UK
Elevating UK's
early-stage business founders
You're building the business, doing the selling, and figuring it out largely on your own. INCO Elevate UK is a 12-week programme built specifically for solo founders and micro-business owners: expert coaching on business fundamentals and a community of founders who get exactly what you're up against. Plus, a shot at a £1,000 cash grant.
Program snapshot
A 12-week programme (February–April 2027) combining live expert-led sessions, self-paced learning you can fit around running your business, and an always-on peer community - roughly 2–3 hours a week. Built for founders working solo or with a very small team, based in London or Manchester.
Eligibility criteria
Solo founders and micro-business owners (co-founder teams welcome too) running an early-stage, UK-registered business under 5 years old, based in London or Manchester - including their greater metropolitan areas - with less than £50k turnover and proven early traction.
Why apply?
A flexible, action-oriented programme built for the reality of running a business on your own - practical guidance, real community, and direct access to expertise.
Fundamentals that actually move the needle
Master the essentials that matter most at your stage - value proposition, customer validation, profitability, funding-readiness diagnostic - plus insights into how AI can realistically be used by one or two-person business. Delivered through expert-led live sessions and self-paced modules you can fit around your business.
A community that doesn't disappear when the programme ends
Building alone is hard - this programme is designed around not leaving you to do it that way. You'll be grouped with founders at your own stage for honest, ongoing peer exchange, and join a growing alumni network
Application process
1
Quick Application
Submit a short online form to tell us about your business and why you'd like to join by January 3rd, 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling places and spots are limited, so we encourage you to apply early!
2
Final Selection
Selected founders will be offered a place in the cohort starting February 2027, with the chance to pitch for a £1,000 grant at our closing showcase.
Why INCO?
INCO is a world‑leading social enterprise building a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy.
We have supported over 8,000 businesses in 140+ countries through coaching, mentoring, and community‑driven programs.
You are joining a proven global network, not just another accelerator program.
“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
BNY mentors share the impact of mentoring founders
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.
David Kennedy-Pitt
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Sourcing Office
Fantastic opportunity to support early stage founders with maturing their businesses, whilst also sharing skills and experience that may not typically apply in your day job.
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
FAQs
Thanks to our partners at BNY, this program is completely free.
This flexible 12-week programme (February–April 2027) combines self-paced modules with weekly live expert-led and peer sessions, requiring around 2–3 hours a week. It's mostly online, with 1-2 in person events in London.
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 advance timetables to help you carve out time for the program around your existing responsibilities.
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 January 3rd, 23.59 pm (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 programme is fully online for the vast majority of sessions, so you can join from anywhere in the UK. There are two in-person touchpoints in London.
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